Incarceration of the intermeniscal ligament in tibial eminence injury: a block to closed reduction identified using MRI

Tibial spine fractures: State of the art

Tibial spine fractures (TSFs) are avulsion fractures at the site where the anterior cruciate ligament inserts onto the tibial eminence. TSFs typically affect children and adolescents aged 8-14 years. The incidence of these fractures has been reported to be approximately 3 per 100,000 per year, but the rising involvement of paediatric patients in sporting activities is increasing the number of these injuries. TSFs are historically classified on plain radiographs according to the Meyers and Mckeever classification system, which was introduced in 1959, but the renewed interest in these fractures and the increasing use of magnetic resonance imaging led to the recent development of a new classification system. A reliable grading protocol for these lesions is paramount to guide orthopedic surgeons in determining the correct treatment for young patients and athletes. TSFs can be addressed conservatively in the case of nondisplaced or reduced fractures or surgically in the case of displaced fractures. Different surgical approaches and, specifically, arthroscopic techniques have been described in recent years to ensure stable fixation while limiting the risk of complications. The most common complications associated with TSF are arthrofibrosis, residual laxity, fracture nonunion or malunion, and tibial physis growth arrest. We speculate that advances in diagnostic imaging and classifications, combined with greater knowledge of treatment options, outcomes, and surgical techniques, will likely reduce the occurrence of these complications in paediatric and adolescent patients and athletes, allowing them a timely return to sports and everyday activities.

Meniscal injuries in skeletally immature children with tibial eminence fractures. Systematic review of literature

PURPOSE

Although the mechanisms of injury are similar to ACL rupture in adults, publications dealing with meniscal lesions resulting from fractures of the intercondylar eminence in children are much rarer. The main objective was to measure the frequency of meniscal lesions associated with tibial eminence fractures in children. The second question was to determine whether there is any available evidence on association between meniscal tears diagnostic method, and frequencies of total lesions, total meniscal lesions, and total entrapments.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed and Scopus. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they reported data on intercondylar tibial fracture, or tibial spine fracture, or tibial eminence fracture, or intercondylar eminence fracture. Article selection was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

In total, 789 studies were identified by the literature search. At the end of the process, 26 studies were included in the final review. This systematic review identified 18.1% rate of meniscal tears and 20.1% rate of meniscal or IML entrapments during intercondylar eminence fractures. Proportion of total entrapments was significantly different between groups (17.8% in the arthroscopy group vs. 6.2% in the MRI group; p < .0001). Also, we found 20.9% of total associated lesions in the arthroscopy group vs. 26.1% in the MRI group (p = .06).

CONCLUSION

Although incidence of meniscal injuries in children tibial eminence fractures is lower than that in adults ACL rupture, pediatric meniscal tears and entrapments need to be systematically searched. MRI does not appear to provide additional information about the entrapment risk if arthroscopy treatment is performed. However, pretreatment MRI provides important informations about concomitant injuries, such as meniscal tears, and should be mandatory if orthopaedic treatment is retained. MRI modalities have yet to be specified to improve the diagnosis of soft tissues entrapments.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review of the literature REGISTRATION: PROSPERO N° CRD42021258384.

Technical Note: Tibial Spine Avulsion Treatment with Arthroscopic Reduction and Internal Fixation with Kirschner Wires in Skeletally Immature Patients

INTRODUCTION

Tibial spine avulsion injury, tibial eminence injury, tibial spine fracture, and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) avulsion are multiple terms that express the same pathological condition. It can be encountered both in the pediatric and adult population. A wide array of surgical techniques have been proposed to manage displaced tibial spine avulsions. Anyway, insufficient evidence is currently available to prefer one fixation technique over another, and a gold-standard arthroscopy-based technique is still missing. In this article, we describe a mini-invasive, safe and user-friendly technique for arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation of displaced tibial eminence fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Standard and patient-specific accessory arthroscopic portals allow for full access to knee visualization and management of concomitant intraarticular lesions. After performing the debridement of the inflammatory tissue and the release of eventual interposed tissues in the fracture site, the tibial eminence avulsion can be reduced by using a less-invasive bone impactor. With the knee flexed to 90°, the fracture fragments are then synthesized (under fluoroscopic control) with three thin Kirschner wires inserted in a proximal-distal direction in a cross-shaped geometry.

RESULTS

This technique allows a fast surgical and hospitalization time, a punctiform arthrotomy, proximal tibial physis preservation, and an early rehabilitation program.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel technique seems attractive and very promising since it is respectful of the epiphyseal growth plates and is thus suitable for children and adolescents.

Knee Extension Does Not Reliably Reduce Acute Type II Tibial Spine Fractures: MRI Evaluation of Displacement During Extension Versus Resting Flexion

Background:

Type II tibial spine avulsion (TSA) fractures have traditionally been managed by first attempting to achieve closed reduction with extension and immobilization, with surgical indications reserved for those who fail to reduce within 3 mm. However, the frequency with which appropriate reduction can be achieved is largely unknown.

Purpose:

To evaluate changes in displacement of type II TSA fractures by comparing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans obtained with the knee in flexion and in extension.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Ten patients with type II TSA fractures were identified. Fracture displacement was measured using 3 images for each patient: (1) initial lateral view radiography, (2) sagittal-plane MRI of the knee in resting flexion, and (3) sagittal-plane MRI of the knee in passive extension. Maximum displacement of the bony fragment was measured in the 2 MRI studies for all patients, and the corresponding change in displacement was calculated. Displacement in flexion was compared with displacement in extension using a paired-sample t test. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.

Results:

The displacement distance of the bony fragment was reduced by a mean of 0.97 mm on MRI when the knee was in extension compared with flexion in patients with type II TSA fractures (P = .02). Mean displacement with extension was 6.14 mm, with no fractures reduced below 4 mm. The largest reduction observed was 2.80 mm. The displacement distance increased in 2 knees with extension. The intermeniscal ligament (IML) was entrapped in 4 of 10 patients; however, the amount of reduction achieved did not differ based on the presence of IML entrapment (P = .85).

Conclusion:

While the amount of tibial spine displacement warranting surgical treatment can be debated, the study findings suggest that knee extension is not reliable in obtaining adequate closed reduction for type II TSA fractures. Management decisions may need to be based on the initial displacement distance of the fracture, with a lower threshold for operative treatment than previously recognized.

Tibial spine avulsion fractures: treatment update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to summarize and clarify the current framework for treating tibial spine avulsion fractures (TSAFs). We will discuss how these fractures are classified both on plain radiographs and MRI as well as report the incidence of concomitant soft tissue injury, an important consideration that guides treatment. We will also compare guidelines for nonsurgical versus surgical treatment and summarize frequently used surgical techniques. Finally, we will review outcomes following treatment, including common complications.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although TSAFs only constitute 2-5% of all pediatric knee injuries, the incidence is increasing. A recently developed MRI-based system for evaluating TSAFs is another tool that aids in the treatment of these injuries.

SUMMARY

TSAFs can be classified using plain radiographs as well as MRI. Type I fractures are usually treated with immobilization whereas type II fractures typically undergo an initial attempt at closed reduction followed by arthroscopic or open reduction and fixation if needed. Type III fractures are indicated directly for arthroscopic surgery and both suture and screw fixation produce good clinical outcomes. All-epiphyseal or transphyseal approaches can minimize the risk of physeal injury in skeletally immature patients. Common complications following TSAF injury and treatment are residual laxity, knee stiffness, and nonunion or malunion.

Variation in Physician Charges and Medicare Payments for Hand Surgery

Purpose To assess national and state-level variation in physician charges (full amounts requested before payments are negotiated) and Medicare payments for common hand procedures. Materials and Methods Using the Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data Public Use File for 2012, we evaluated national and state variations in physician charges and Medicare payments for carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, trigger finger injection, closed treatment of distal radius fracture, and interposition arthroplasty, intercarpal or carpometacarpal joints. We assessed variation, using the coefficient of variation. We also determined the correlation between charges and payments, as well as the association of patient volume with charges and payments. Results There was wide state-level variation in physician charges for carpal tunnel release (11-fold), trigger finger release (9.6-fold), and trigger finger injection (5.5-fold). On a national level, physician charges varied substantially for carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, trigger finger injection, closed treatment of distal radius fracture, and interposition arthroplasty, intercarpal or carpometacarpal joints. Medicare payments varied to a lesser extent. The correlations between physician charges and Medicare reimbursements were not strong. Weak to no correlations were noted between patient volume and both charges and payments. Conclusion Physician charges for hand surgery vary substantially across states and nationally, and they do not correlate well with Medicare payments and surgeon volume. As the health care market transitions toward more restrictive physician networks and high-deductible plans, protecting uninsured and out-of-network patients from unexpected, high medical bills should be a policy priority. Type of Study/Level of Evidence Economic/Decision Analysis, Level III study.

Incidence of Meniscal Entrapment and Associated Knee Injuries in Tibial Spine Avulsions

BACKGROUND

Tibial spine avulsions (TSA) have historically been treated as isolated injuries. Data on associated injuries are limited with existing literature reporting wide ranging incidences. The purpose of this multicenter study was to (1) describe the incidence of meniscal entrapment and associated knee injuries in TSA and to (2) compare surgical and magnetic resonance image (MRI) findings for these injuries. Our hypothesis is that tibial spine injuries are not usually isolated injuries, and other meniscal, ligament, and cartilage injuries may be present.

METHODS

MRI and surgical reports for patients with a diagnosis of a tibial spine fracture were retrospectively reviewed. Type of fracture was recorded as noted in the reports along with concomitant meniscal entrapment and osteochondral, ligamentous, and meniscal injury. Images and reports were reviewed by an orthopaedic surgeon at each respective institution.

RESULTS

A total of 163 patients were included in this study. MRI was done for 77 patients and surgery was performed in 144 cases. Meniscal entrapment was found in 39.9% of all patients. MRI diagnosed meniscus, osteochondral, and non-anterior cruciate ligament ligamentous injury was found in 31.2%, 68.8%, and 32.4% of cases, respectively. Surgically diagnosed meniscus, chondral, and non-anterior cruciate ligament ligamentous injury was found in 34.7%, 33.3%, and 5.6% of patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

TSA fractures are associated with significant risk for concomitant knee injuries including meniscal tear, bone contusion, and chondral injury. Incidence of meniscal entrapment found during surgery was high, in spite of low incidence of positive findings by MRI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV-retrospective case series.