Suture-bridge fixation under arthroscopy in treatment of tibial eminence avulsion fracture of anterior cruciate ligament in adolescents / 中国修复重建外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore effectiveness of suture-bridge fixation under arthroscopy in treatment of tibial eminence avulsion fracture of anterior cruciate ligament in adolescents. Methods: Between June 2013 and October 2016, 18 adolescent patients suffered tibial eminence avulsion fracture of anterior cruciate ligament were treated by suture-bridge fixation under arthroscopy. There were 11 males and 7 females with an average age of 12.5 years (range, 5-17 years). The injury caused by bruise in 6 cases, by sprain in 4 cases, and by sport injury in 8 cases. The interval between injury and admission ranged from 2 hours to 10 months (mean, 2 months). The results of preoperative Lachman and anterior drawer tests were positive. There were 10 cases of knee pain, 4 cases of knee extension limitation, and 4 cases of knee extension without strength. According to the Meyer-McKeever classification criteria, 12 cases were type Ⅱ and 6 cases were type Ⅲ. Results: All incisions healed by first intention. All 18 patients were followed up 10-18 months after operation, with an average of 12 months. Postoperative X-ray films showed that all fractures healed after 6-12 weeks (mean, 8 weeks). The results of postoperative Lachman and anterior drawer tests were negative. At last follow-up, the Lysholm knee score was 90.1±5.0 and 93.1±6.2 for affected and unaffected sides, respectively, showing no significant difference between affected and unaffected sides( t=0.669, P=3.184［?］). There was no premature closure of skeleton or leg length discrepancy and deformity. Conclusion: For tibial eminence avulsion fracture of anterior cruciate ligament in adolescents, the suture-bridge fixation under arthroscopy is an effective method with many advantages, such as minimal invasion, reliable fixation, good fracture healing, and no need for second operation to remove implants.