[Treatment of avulsion fracture of inferior pole of patella with improved angle of anchor and double pulley technique]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the angle of modified anchor nail placement and the curative effect of double pulley technology for the treatment of extreme avulsion fracture of lower patella.

METHODS

From December 2015 to December 2018, a total of 22 patients(10 males and 12 females) with avulsion fracture of the inferior pole of patella were retrospectively analyzed. The average age was (44.00±15.24) years old(range, 19 to 70 years). All patients were treated with modified anchor angle and double pulley technique. The range of motion(ROM) and Bostman score system were used to evaluate the functional recovery of knee joint.

RESULTS

All 22 cases were followed up with an average of (30.86±8.00) weeks (18 to 46 weeks). At the last follow-up, ROM of the affected knee was (130.82±4.69) °, and the contralateral knee was (133.23 ± 3.15) °, there was no significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). The average Bostman score was (28.45±1.41) scores, 18 cases were excellent results, 4 cases were good.

CONCLUSION

Improved anchor placement angle and double pulley technique for treatment of extreme avulsion fracture of lower patella is easy to operate, with satisfactory curative effect and good recovery of knee joint function.

[Comparative study on arthroscopic double posterior medial approach versus open surgery for acute simple posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fracture]

OBJECTIVE

To compare difference in clnical efficacy between arthroscopic double posterior internal approach and incisional surgery for acute simple posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fractures.

METHODS

Totally 52 patients with acute simple posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fractures treated from June 2016 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into two groups according to different surgical protocols, 27 patients in arthroscopic group were treated with arthroscopic double posterior internal approach, including 16 males and 11 females, aged from 19 to 52 years old, with an average age of (34.9±9.2) years old;25 patients in open reduction group were treated with posterior medial knee incision, including 14 males and 11 females, aged from 18 to 54 years old , with an average age of(33.7±8.4) years old. Operation time, incision length, intraoperative bleeding, hospitalization days, hospitalization cost, fracture healing, complications, postoperative Lysholm score and IKDC score at 12 months were observed and compared between two groups.

RESULTS

All patients in both groups were completed opertaion successfully without vascular or nerve injury, and 52 patients were followed up from 6 to 24 months with an average of (15.0±1.7) months. Operation time and hospitalization cost in arthroscopic group were significantly greater than those in open reduction group(P<0.05);intraoperative bleeding, incision length, and hospitalization days in arthroscopic group were less than those in open reduction group(P<0.05);preoperative Lysholm score in arthroscopic group and open reduction group were 49.1±2.3 and 48.9±1.1 respectively, and improved to 95.9±1.7 and 86.4±1.2 at 12 months after operation respectively(P<0.05);preoperative IKDC scores in arthroscopic group and open reduction group were 47.6±4.1 and 48.1±3.9 respectively, and improved to 96.9±1.5 and 87.1±1.4 at 12 months after operation(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic double posterior internal approach for acute simple posterior cruciate ligament tibial stop avulsion fracture has satisfactory early results and better efficacy than traditional open surgery, which has advantages of less trauma, faster recovery and easier operation.

Distal Adductor Magnus Avulsion Fracture Treated with Excision After Failure of Nonoperative Management: A Case Report

CASE

In this case report, we discuss a skeletally immature gymnast who presented with an isolated distal femoral adductor tubercle avulsion fracture that went on to develop a painful nonunion. After the failure of extensive nonoperative intervention, she had resolution of her symptoms with bony excision and soft-tissue repair.

CONCLUSION

It is important for clinicians to be aware of this atypical injury pattern and that surgical intervention may be necessary because conservative treatment may not always resolve symptoms.

Tibial tubercle avulsion fractures in adolescents: impact on function and quality of life

The objective of the study was to assess functional outcomes and quality of life of patients treated for tibial tubercle avulsion fractures (TTAFs). Retrospective study of patients under 18 years of age treated from June 2011 to May 2018. Demographic data included age, gender, mechanism of injury, side, fracture classification, associated injuries, predisposing factors, and type of treatment. Clinical results included knee range of motion, pain, return to sports, overall satisfaction, functional outcomes, and complications. At final follow-up, Tegner Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, and Kidscreen-10 were applied. Ten patients were included, all males, with a median age of 15 years. Mechanism of injury: football (three patients), basketball (two patients), running (two patients), handball (one patient), gymnastics (one patient), and fall (one patient). Nine were treated surgically with reduction and fixation with cannulated screws or Kirschner wires, plus treatment of associated injuries (three patellar tendon avulsions, one contralateral proximal tibia epiphyseal fracture, and two prophylactic fasciotomies). One patient developed mild recurvatum and two presented minor decreased knee flexion. Eight patients returned to their previous level of sports activity. Median Tegner Lysholm Knee Score was 100/100 and Kidscreen-10 was 50/50. With appropriate treatment, nearly 100% of TTAFs have good functional outcomes and low impact on quality of life.

Therapeutic Effects of Small Incision Open Reduction and Internal Fixation and Arthroscopic High Strength Non-Absorbable Suture on Tibial Insertion Avulsion Fracture of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY To evaluate the therapeutic effects of small incision open reduction and internal fixation and arthroscopic high strength non-absorbable suture on tibial insertion avulsion fracture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). MATERIAL AND METHODS In this prospectively study, 72 patients with ACL tibial insertion avulsion fracture treated from December 2017 to June 2020 were enrolled and divided into group A (treated with small incision open reduction and cannulated screw internal fixation) and group B (treated with arthroscopic high strength non-absorbable suture) using a random number table (n=36). Their general data, surgical indices and incidence of postoperative adverse reactions were compared. Knee function indices were compared before and after treatment, and evaluated by random walk model. RESULTS No significant differences were found in the general data, intraoperative blood loss, preoperative Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Tegner score, knee range of motion and difference of bilateral tibial forward displacement distance, and total incidence rate of postoperative adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). Group B had significantly longer operation time, and significantly shorter hospital stay, time of first ambulation after operation and bone healing time than group A (P<0.05). Both groups had improved Lysholm score, IKDC score, Tegner score and knee range of motion after treatment, especially in group B (P<0.05). The difference of bilateral tibial forward displacement distance significantly reduced in both groups after treatment, particularly in group B (P<0.05). The random walk model revealed that group B had better improvement of knee function than group A. CONCLUSIONS Arthroscopic high strength non-absorbable suture in the treatment of ACL tibial insertion avulsion fracture can dramatically improve the knee function indices of patients, with rapid recovery and high safety, so it has a broad prospect of clinical application. Key words: small incision open reduction and internal fixation, arthroscopic high strength non-absorbable suture, tibial insertion avulsion fracture, anterior cruciate ligament, random walk model.

Case report of concomitant avulsion fractures of the medial meniscus and posterior cruciate ligament

RATIONALE

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is the strongest ligament of the knee, and avulsion fractures of PCL are a very rare type of injury. These injuries occur as a result of high-energy traumas, and different accompanying pathologies may be seen. However, tibial avulsion fracture of the PCL associated with a medial meniscus (MM) avulsion fracture has never been reported before. We want to present this unique type of posteromedial knee injury as a case report.

PATIENT CONCERN

A 42-year-old man presented with severe pain and swelling due to a ski injury.

DIAGNOSIS

Concomitant avulsion fractures of PCL and MM were detected after imaging.

INTERVENTIONS

Both avulsion fractures were treated with open reduction and fixation with lag screws using the posterior approach.

OUTCOMES

No complications were encountered, and the painless full range of motion and weight-bearing was achieved at the third month after the operation.

LESSONS

Anatomical reduction and stable fixation of these intra-articular fractures are essential for the stability of the knee. The posterior approach should be kept in mind to access these types of fractures safely. Care should be taken in terms of other injuries that may accompany the PCL avulsion fractures caused by high-energy traumas.

Symptomatic Nonunion After a Tibial-Sided Posterior Cruciate Ligament Avulsion Fracture Treated with Open Repair: A Case Report

CASE

A 30-year-old man was in a motorcycle accident resulting in an avulsion fracture of the tibial insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). After 19 months of nonoperative treatment, the patient presented with a nonunion and symptoms of pain and instability. He was treated with an open repair with screw fixation through a posterior approach. Six months postoperatively, the patient returned to his work as a heavy laborer with full range of motion and no instability.

CONCLUSION

PCL avulsion fracture nonunion results in symptoms of swelling, pain, and instability. These symptoms can be treated with screw fixation through a posterior approach.

Posterior Root Avulsion Fracture of the Medial Meniscus in a Skeletally Immature Child: A Case Report

CASE

We describe a rare case of posterior root avulsion fracture of the medial meniscus in an 11-year-old boy. Previous reports have demonstrated delayed diagnosis, but in this case, multiplanar computed tomography (CT) combined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enabled early diagnosis and treatment. Gradual ossification was observed after arthroscopic suture fixation, and meniscal extrusion did not progress. He returned to sports without any symptoms and showed no degenerative changes at 2.5 years postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

This is the first case report of early diagnosis and time-course analysis of a rare avulsion fracture, emphasizing the usefulness of CT combined with MRI.

Anatomical Repair of a Femoral-Sided Avulsion Fracture of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament: A Case Report

CASE

We report a rare case of femoral-sided avulsion fracture of both the anteromedial and posterolateral bundle attachments of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). We performed an arthroscopic double-bundle pull-out repair. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient had no deformity, laxity of the knee, and no limitations when engaging in various sports activities.

CONCLUSION

An avulsion fracture of both the anteromedial and posterolateral bundle attachments is a rare injury. Arthroscopically assisted reduction and fixation demonstrated successful achievement of both bone union and good ACL function.

Surgical repair techniques, functional outcome, and return to sports after apophyseal avulsion fractures of the ischial tuberosity in adolescents

Purpose

Among juvenile apophyseal avulsion injuries of the pelvis in adolescents, fractures of the ischial tuberosity are rare but sustainably debilitating. Also because informations on surgical repair options are very sparse and so far limited to general reviews, reports of individual cases or heterogeous small case series, practitioners, patients and their parental environment still feel a comprehensible hesitation regarding operative treatment. Therefore we intended to investigate patient related outcome measurements and return to sports rates after different types of surgical intervention in an own case series, so far unprecendented in its size.

Methods

Patient data of adolescents that underwent surgical intervention for a displaced apophyseal avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity between 01/2015 and 12/2019 in our institution were gathered. Patients were then evaluated using the hamstring injury specific Perth Hamstring Assessment Tool (PHAT). Furthermore the return to sports level in comparison to the particular pre-injury level was rated.

Results

Eleven adolescents with an acute or chronic mean fragment dislocation of 3.3 cm (SD ± 1.7) underwent surgical intervention in the assigned period. The mean post-operative PHAT score was 86.9 (0–100, SD ± 11.9) and thus good to excellent. The majority of adolescents (10/11) was able to return to their pre-injury sports, whereas 63.6% achieved full or nearly full level.

Conclusions

Surgical refixation or restoration of aphoyseal avulsion fractures of the ischial tuberosity result in good to excellent outcomes and return to sport rates, irrespective of the type of intervention. Here prompt diagnosis with a timely intervention seems more promising than delayed interventions in chronic cases. Beyond 1.5 cm of fragment displacement affected patients should be counselled for surgical intervention.

[Apophyseal avulsion in the pelvic region in childhood and adolescence]

BACKGROUND

The importance of the apophyseal plates during growth is often underestimated. They act as a muscular insertion and influence the joint mechanics by the load-dependent change in shape.

PATHOMECHANISMS

An anatomically functional adaptation occurs as protection from overloading. In special kinds of sports with highly dynamic movements, sudden changes of direction and eccentric/concentric muscle activities the resulting stress may exceed the strength of the apophyseal plate. In adolescence this results in a total or partial tearing of the apophysis in the sense of an avulsion injury. In the pelvic region the ischial tuberosity, the anterior superior and inferior iliac spine are mainly affected.

DIAGNOSTICS

The medical history and clinical diagnostics are supplemented by conventional radiographic imaging. Sectional imaging diagnostics are usually unnecessary.

TREATMENT

Conservative management by reduced (partial) weight bearing and physiotherapy represents the gold standard in treatment. In cases with a fragment displacement >1.5-2.0 cm and in competitive athletes an open reduction should be considered.

Satisfactory clinical outcome of operative and non-operative treatment of avulsion fracture of the hamstring origin with treatment selection based on extent of displacement: a systematic review

PURPOSE

To compare outcome of operative and non-operative treatment of avulsion fractures of the hamstring origin, with minor (< 1.5 cm) and major (≥ 1.5 cm) displacement, and early (≤ 4 weeks) and delayed (> 4 weeks) surgery.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus. A quality assessment was performed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale.

RESULTS

Eight studies with 90 patients (mean age: 16 years) were included. All studies had low methodological quality (PEDro score ≤ 5). Operative treatment yielded a return to preinjury activity rate (RTPA) of 87% (95% CI: 68-95), return to sports (RTS) rate of 100% (95% CI: 82-100), Harris hip score (HHS) of 99 (range 96-100) and a University of California Los Angeles activity scale (UCLA) score of 100%. Non-operative treatment yielded a RTPA rate of 100% (95% CI:68-100), RTS rate of 86% (95% CI: 69-94), HHS score of 99 (range 96-100), and non-union rate of 18% (95% CI: 9-34). All patients with minor displacement were treated non-operatively (RTPA: 100% [95% CI: 21-100], RTS: 100% [95% CI: 51-100]). For major displacement, operative treatment led to RTPA and RTS rates of 86% (95% CI: 65-95) and 100% (95% CI: 84-100), and 0% (0/1, 95% CI: 0-79) and 100% (95% CI: 51-100) for non-operative treatment. Early surgery yielded RTPA and RTS rates of 100% (95% CI: 34-100 & 57-100) compared to 100 (95% CI: 72-100) and 90% (95% CI: 60-98) for delayed repair.

CONCLUSION

All included studies have high risk of bias. There is only low level of evidence with a limited number of included patients to compare outcome of operative and non-operative treatment. Overall outcome was satisfactory. There is a treatment selection phenomenon based on displacement, with acceptable outcome in both groups. There is insufficient data to draw conclusions regarding timing of surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Surgical treatment of posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fractures using a locking compression hook plate: A case series

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the results of surgical treatment of tibial avulsion injuries of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) with a 3.5-mm locking compression hook plate (LCHP).

METHODS

From June 2012 to June 2015, 16 consecutive patients (10 males and 6 females, mean age: 38 (range: 19-57) years) presented with isolated tibial avulsion injuries of the PCL. We used a 3.5-mm LCHP and lag screws for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) through the posterior medial approach. The operation time, quantity of bleeding, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, stability of posterior drawer test (PDT) results, and fracture healing time were studied to assess clinical efficacy. At the 12-month follow-up, a functional evaluation using knee range of motion (ROM) and the Lysholm knee scoring system (LKSS) was performed.

RESULTS

The data from a mean follow-up of 24.1 (range: 14-33) months from 16 patients were recorded. No neurovascular complications, incision infections, or delayed union or nonunion were observed. The mean operation time was 61.4 (range: 45-80) min. The mean quantity of bleeding was 41.6 (range: 25-66) mL. The mean bone healing time was 11.8 (range: 45-80) weeks. The mean VAS score was 1.63 (range: 0-3) after surgery. The average LKSS and ROM of the knee were 51.75±7.67 and 50.94°±10.19° before surgery and 92.75±5.46 and 127.75°±6.13° at 1 year, respectively. The outcomes were judged to be excellent for 11 patients, good for 4, and fair for 1 (excellent and good rates: 93.8% for 15/16). At the final follow-up (≥1 year), the PDT scores returned to normal.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that 3.5-mm LCHP provided reliable fixation following ORIF of isolated PCL tibial avulsion fractures and was a safe, simple, and effective procedure. This procedure may reduce complications and improve functional recovery relative to those of other procedures.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-1900022920. Registered on 3 May 2019.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Rehabilitation of Watson-Jones proximal tibial avulsion injury in elite academy level football: A report of two separate cases in one season

OBJECTIVES

Watson-Jones proximal tibial avulsion injuries occur more frequently in athletic and muscular adolescent males. However, they are rare and therefore infrequently described in the medical literature. Two of these injuries occurred in a Category 1 football academy in the same season within a six-month period. We have described the cases with the hope of better informing other clinicians should they encounter this injury.

METHODS

This case report describes the injury mechanism, surgical management and rehabilitation for the two cases [Players A and B]. Outcomes measures including player speed, agility and power were compared with scores from players of the same age group at the time of injury in the Premier League academies. Risk factors are also discussed.

RESULTS

Both players were managed surgically, initially. Player B had the surgical fixation removed during rehabilitation. Player A still has the fixation in situ. Post-surgery, player A returned to full play at thirty-two weeks and thirty-eight weeks for player B. No critical incidents occurred during rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

Watson-Jones avulsion fractures, although rare, can be managed successfully. Athletes can achieve a successful return to play at their previous level.

Delta Wiring Technique to Treat Bony Mallet Finger: No Need of Transfixation Pin

Extension-block pinning is a popular surgical treatment method for mallet fractures but is associated with several pitfalls. Transfixation Kirschner wires used in the extension-block pinning technique may cause iatrogenic nail bed injury, bone fragment rotation, chondral damage, or osteoarthritis. The objective of this study was to determine the result of the delta wiring technique in mallet fractures with fracture fragment involving more than one-third of the distal phalanx articular surface. The authors are reporting 5 cases of mallet fractures treated with delta wiring technique with good functional and radiologic outcomes. Radiologic outcomes were evaluated on the basis of postoperative and follow-up x-rays and functional outcomes were evaluated using Crawford's criteria. Five patients (4 males, 1 female) with a mean age of 26.8 years (range, 20 to 33 y) were included. The mean time between the injury and surgery was 5 days (range, 3 to 7 d), and the mean follow-up period was 8.6 months (range, 8 to 10 mo). Radiographic bone union was achieved in all patients within an average of 6.4 weeks (range, 6 to 7 wk). At the final follow-up, the distal interphalangeal joint had an average degree of flexion of 73 degrees (range, 70 to 75 degrees) and an average extension deficit of 5.40 (range, 0 to 8 degrees). According to Crawford's criteria, 1 patient had excellent results and 4 patients had good results. No patient reported pain at the final follow-up with a visual analog scale score mean of 0.6 (range, 0 to 2). Satisfactory clinical and radiologic outcomes were obtained with the delta wiring technique. Future prospective and randomized studies are justified to confirm the efficacy of this technique.

Hyperflexion Knee Injury with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture and Avulsion Fractures of Both Posterior Meniscal Attachments: A Case Report

CASE

A 54-year-old patient presented with low-velocity hyperflexion knee trauma while falling at a ski lift with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture and avulsion fractures of both posterior meniscal attachments. Meniscal avulsions were treated arthroscopically using transtibial sutures; a partial medial collateral ligament tear was treated conservatively. Six weeks later, reconstruction of the ACL was performed, and both meniscal attachments were stable.

CONCLUSION

Hyperflexion of the knee puts direct shear and compressive force on the posterior tibia. This can result in ligament injuries combined with avulsion fractures of both posterior meniscal attachments. Arthroscopic treatment is a practicable technique for this type of injury.

Superior Patella Periosteal Sleeve Avulsion After Ipsilateral Tibial Tubercle Fracture Fixation: A Case Report

CASE

A 14-year-old boy underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of a tibial tubercle avulsion fracture. Seven weeks postoperatively, the patient slipped in the bathroom and was found to have a superior patellar pole periosteal sleeve avulsion injury.

CONCLUSION

We describe a rare case of periosteal sleeve avulsion fracture of the superior patella pole after tibial tubercle avulsion fracture ORIF in an adolescent male patient. The etiology of this injury pattern may be due to altered tensile forces transmitted through the extensor mechanism related to the previous surgery. Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of this unusual sequela.

Patellar sleeve avulsion fracture in a patient with Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome: a case report

BACKGROUND

Patellar sleeve avulsion (PSA) fractures are rare injuries that occur in in skeletally immature patients. Initial diagnosis is key to a successful outcome, as these injuries are easily overlooked on plain radiographs with poor results well documented from delayed management. High index of suspicion from the mechanism of injury, thorough clinical examination and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) help to avoid misdiagnosis.

CASE PRESENTATION

The case of a 12-year-old male athlete with an acute PSA after a conservative treatment of a SLJ syndrome is described. The patient was referred to our clinic due to severe pain and loss of function after performing a high jump. Plain radiographs (X-ray) and MRI confirmed an inferior pole PSA which was fixed with double trans osseous ultra-high strength tapes. At the 3-month follow- up visit the patient was able to ambulate brace free. At 2-years follow up the patient was able to play soccer and ice hockey. To our knowledge, there are no case reports of inferior pole PSA with prior SLJ syndrome described in literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Early clinical suspicion and distinguishing this PSA from other enchondral ossification disorders around the knee is critical to avoid misdiagnosis. Whether SLJ syndrome increases the risk of sustaining a PSA is still not clear. Trans osseous fixation with suture tapes leads to good functional results in a young athlete with inferior pole PSA.

Comparison of three fixation techniques for arcuate fractures

PURPOSE

Proximal fibula avulsion fractures, or "arcuate fractures", are an often discussed but poorly defined injury pattern which represent a destabilizing injury to the posterolateral corner of the knee. Historical and recent literature discussing reconstruction and repair techniques exist, but there has been little biomechanical evaluation of repair techniques. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the strength of three type of fixation techniques for arcuate fractures: bone tunnels, a screw and washer, and a novel suture anchor technique.

METHODS

A laboratory model of the arcuate fracture pattern was developed. This was used to create an arcuate fracture in 24 cadaveric specimens. Knees were randomized into fixation with either suture tunnel (ST), screw and washer (SW), or suture anchor (SA) repair. A previously published model for inducing varus stress was applied and a MTS testing system was used to assess fixation ultimate and yield strength.

RESULTS

Fibular fracture occurred during the fixation of one specimen from the ST group and one from the SA group. Analysis of the remaining 22 specimens revealed a mean ultimate strength of 2422.48 N for the ST group, 2271.78 for SW, and 3041.66 for SA (p = 0.390). Yield strengths were 2065.28 for ST, 1882.43 for SW, and 2871.92 for SA (p = 0.224). Analyses of stiffness and total energy applied were not statistically different (p = 0.111 and 0.601, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Biomechanical analysis of three types of arcuate fragment fixation revealed robust fixation among all methods, supporting surgeon preference for fixation. Fixation may depend on the size of bony fragment and whether or not the injury is a bony or soft tissue injury.

Missed Sleeve Fracture of the Superior Pole of Patella

Patellar sleeve fracture is a form of injury in which small osseous fragments avulsed with periosteum and cartilage. 15-year-old male patient, playing in school football team, apllied to our clinic with a history of previously missed patellar superior pole sleeve avulsion fracture. Care must be taken in order not to miss the patellar superior pole sleeve fractures, which are very rare in children. Extra care must be taken in patients, whose X-ray imaging is clean but there is a problem in the extensor mechanism of the knee. INTRODUCTION Since the patella has high mobility and large cartilage surfaces, it's fracture is very rare in children (9). Growing patella is more prone to osteochondral or avulsion fractures (8). Patellar sleeve fracture is a form of injury in which small osseous fragments fractured with periosteum and cartilage (5). Avulsion or sleeve fractures of patella can be seen in inferior and superior patellar poles. Fractures in superior pole is very rare and only a few cases have been described in the literature (2).

Complete Avulsion of Quadriceps Tendon in a Child with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Case Report

CASE

We report a rare case of complete avulsion of the quadriceps tendon in an 8-year-old child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Our patient presented with acute onset of pain and effusion with a history of feeling a "pop" in the knee after a fall while playing kickball. Although knee radiographs showed a cortical irregularity involving the superior patellar pole, it was assumed that the symptoms were a result of a JIA flare rather than an acute injury. Complete quadriceps disruption was later diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging, and surgical repair was performed.

CONCLUSIONS

Complete rupture of the quadriceps tendon is an unusual, disabling injury in children that necessitates prompt diagnosis and early surgical repair. High index of suspicion and thorough physical evaluation are essential for the diagnosis of such injuries, especially in children with complex medical conditions.

Avulsion of the femoral attachment of the medial collateral ligament in the setting of knee multiligament injury: A case report

RATIONALE

Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury is a common sports injury. The damage mainly occurs in ligament fibers, but MCL avulsion fracture is extremely rare and only a few reports have been published.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Herein, we present a healthy 21-year-old man with an avulsion fracture of the MCL of the right knee sustained during snowboarding.

DIAGNOSIS

Clinical and radiographic findings confirmed the presence of an avulsion fracture at the proximal attachment of the MCL, combined with complete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) rupture.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent single-stage ACL, PCL reconstruction, and MCL repair.

OUTCOMES

Two weeks after the surgery, the patient developed heterotopic ossification (HO) at the medial side of the knee, HO tended to be stable and mature at the 3-month follow-up examination. One year after the operation, the patient's knee was fully functional, stable, and pain free.

LESSONS

Femoral attachment avulsion fracture of the MCL is in contrast to common isolated MCL injuries. Early surgical repair is advocated for the greatest benefit. Orthopedic surgeons should keep the potential complication HO in mind and develop rational strategies for HO prevention and treatment.

Tibial tubercle avulsion fracture according to different mechanisms of injury in adolescents: Tibial tubercle avulsion fracture

Tibial tubercle avulsion fracture caused by knee extensor is very rare; furthermore, non-traumatic fractures during running or bilateral fractures have been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate any differences according to the mechanisms of injury in adolescents with tibial tubercle avulsion fracture.Thirty patients with tibial tubercle avulsion fractures were reviewed and the average age was 13 years 1 month. Seven patients (low-stress group) had a spontaneous fracture during running without definite trauma. Twenty-three patients (high-stress group) experienced pain during jumping and landing, or definite trauma. The mechanisms of injury, age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), BMI percentile, fracture type, as well as any complication, such as limitation of motion and deformity related to the physeal arrest, were compared between groups.There was no definite difference in age, fracture type, and surgical outcomes between groups. There was no patient with significant early physeal arrest in both groups. The weight (P = .02), BMI (P = .03) and BMI percentile (P = .01) in low-stress group were higher than those in high-stress group. In low-stress group, 6 patients' BMIs were in the 97th percentile, and 1 patient's BMI was in the 5th percentile.Extreme BMI may be a risk factor for tibial tubercle avulsion fractures in adolescents during running without definite trauma. However, there was no difference in the final outcome according to injury mechanisms.