Tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture in children / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To discuss the characteristics, treatment method and prognosis of tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture in children. Methods From January 1995 to December 2007, there were 25 cases (23 boys and 2 girls). The age at injury ranged from 12 to 16 years(average 13.5 years). All cases were unilateral involved (10 of left, 15 of right). All of the injuries resulted from participation in athletic activities, 10 in basketball, 7 while jumping, and 8 in football game. According to the classification of Ogden, there were 1 type 1A, 4 type 1B, 5 type 2A, 7 type 2B, 4 type 3A, and 4 type 3B fractures. One type 1A fracture was treated nonoperatively with east immobilization, and other 24 fractures with open reduction and internal fixation. Results All of 25 cases were followed from 14 months to 7 years (average 43 months). The range of motion of knee joint was 0°-140° 3 months after operation, and all of them recovered to pre-injury levels of activity by 6 months after operation. According to Mosier clinical assessment system, the final outcome was evaluated as excellent in all. Wound healed primary, no compartment syndrome was found. The time of bony union ranged from 2 to 5 months, with the mean time of 3 months. No complications of infection, ex-tremities deformity and inner fixation failure were found. Conclusion The tuberosity avulsion fracture in children is an uncommon and special type of epiphyseal injury. These fractures occur in the narrow range of 13 to 16 years of age. The majority of patients are males, and most of them are unilateral involved. This in-jury has an excellent outcome without deformity or functional loss, once adequate reduction and fixation of fracture fragments have been achieved.