Outcomes after arthroscopic excision of the bony prominence in the treatment of tibial spine avulsion fractures

Perioperative Management of Tibial Spine Fractures in Pediatric Patients: A Delphi Study to Identify Principles of Treatment

BACKGROUND

The Delphi technique is a structured, iterative group survey method utilized to reach a consensus among experts in a field regarding topics with evidence-based equipoise. Currently, there are few studies at the highest levels of evidence published on the perioperative tibial spine management, making it an ideal subject to utilize expert opinion to reach consensus decision.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to utilize a Delphi-method survey to achieve consensus statements regarding the perioperative management of tibial spine fractures.

METHODS

Before study initiation, 3 rounds of surveys were agreed upon, maintaining the traditional Delphi principles. Consensus was defined as 75% agreement or disagreement on a Likert scale. An anonymous survey consisting of 50 statements describing the management of tibial spine fractures preoperative and postoperative in varying scenarios was distributed to a group of 44 pediatric sports medicine orthopaedic surgeons utilizing an electronic survey software system.

RESULTS

Of 44 surgeons invited to participate, 24 responded to round 1, 28 responded to round 2, and 25 responded to round 3. Consensus was achieved for the following: use of x-ray to determine initial treatment; casting for a minimum of 3 weeks for nonoperative management, but <3 weeks if treated with surgical fixation; advanced imaging to avoid missing concomitant injury; the necessity of physical therapy, but not continuous passive motion (CPM); and for arthroscopic surgical intervention. It was also agreed that functional testing is important in return-to-play (RTP) decision-making, though the specific timelines and clearance criteria could not be agreed upon. There were statements that displayed continued disagreement, including the role of aspiration, preoperative range of motion management, and the timing of surgical scheduling.

CONCLUSIONS

Utilizing a Delphi methodology with experienced surgeons on tibial spine treatment, consensus in the management of tibial spine fracture was achieved for definitive management strategies. Further study will be important to optimize our management of this youthful population with tibial spine fractures.

A New Arthroscopic Tightrope Suture-Button Fixation Procedure for Tibial Eminence Avulsion Fracture

This case-series outcome study presents a new arthroscopic technique for tibial eminence avulsion fracture (TEAF) with double-tunnel using two tightrope suture buttons. From May 2017 to July 2020, we performed a new arthroscopic technique for TEAF with double tunnels, using two tightrope suture buttons on 13 patients. Clinical assessments included anterior drawer, Lachman, and pivot shift tests, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm knee scores, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and range of motion (ROM). An independent observer noted conditions before surgery and during the last follow-up. The patients had an average follow-up of 26.2 months, ranging from 15 to 37 months. During the last postsurgical follow-up, the anterior drawer, Lachman, and pivot shift tests were negative in all the cases. According to the IKDC, Lysholm, and VAS final scores, all patients presented a significant knee function improvement at last follow-ups compared with preoperatively. The study shows that satisfactory results about an anatomic reduction of the fragment, knee stability, function, and strength can be achieved with the new arthroscopic technique for TEAF with double tunnels using two tightrope suture buttons. This study is a therapeutic case series and its level of evidence is IV.

Arthroscopic treatment of adult displaced tibial eminence fractures with anchor and pushlock fixation

Arthroscopic techniques are considered the gold standard for treatment of displaced avulsion fractures of the anterior cruciate ligament. However, most arthroscopic surgical techniques and fixation methods are technically demanding and require removal of hard implant. This report describes a new, easy, safe, and all-arthroscopic method for reduction and fixation of displaced tibial intercondylar eminence fractures by using 1 anchor and 1 Pushlock.From January 2015 to June 2017, 8 adult patients with type II and III displaced tibial intercondylar eminence fractures were operated using this technique. Clinical assessment included patient demographics, cause of injury, delay before surgery, operation time, time to return to work and sport, International Knee Documentation Committee scores, and Lysholm knee scores.The average operation time was 48 minutes. The average follow-up period was 12.5 months. At the 6-month follow-up, all patients had acquired fracture union and complete functional recovery and were able to return to work. International Knee Documentation Committee objective scores and Lysholm knee scores were 92.4 (range 88-94) and 93.6 (range 90-96), respectively. At the last follow-up, anterior drawer, Lachman's test, and pivot shift tests were negative, and all patients had returned to their preinjury activity levels.Arthroscopic fixation by use of 1 anchor and 1 Pushlock is an easy, safe, and minimally invasive technique for treatment of displaced tibial intercondylar eminence fractures and does not require further surgery to remove fixation devices.Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Arthroscopic fixation of ACL avulsion fracture in the saint pault hospital: A review of treatment outcomes: Cohort study

Background

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the results of arthroscopic suture fixation with fiber wires used as treatment for ACL avulsion fracture, and to determine how effective such a technique is when it comes to restoring of knee function.

Materials and methods

This prospective study involves 28 patients, who underwent arthroscopic fixation of displaced ACL avulsion fractures at Saint Paul Hospital (Hanoi) from January 2014 to March 2018.

Results

The first three weeks were not marked with any abnormalities associated with post-operative sutures and hematomas, infectious complications were not detected either. Post-operative displacement of fracture fragments did not take place among the patients involved in the study. At the 3-month follow-up, the average IKDC score was 90.7 (range: 76–100), and the average Lysholm score was 93.6 (range 82–100). The percentage of excellent scores was 42.9% (12 patients), good scores accounted for 50% (14 patients), while fair/poor scores accounted for 3.6% each (1 patient on each score). The percentage of excellent/good scores was 92.9% in total.

Conclusion

This study shows that ACL avulsion fracture can be treated effectively by arthroscopic suture fixation with fiber wires. In fact, this technique may restore knee function and stability.

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Evaluating the results of arthoscopic suture fixation with fiber wires used as treatment for ACL avulsion fracture.

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The study involves 28 patients.

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The ACL avulsion fracture can be treated effectively by arthoscopic suture fixation with fiber wires. It may restore knee function and stabiity.

Arthroscopic fixation of ACL avulsion fracture in the Saint Paul Hospital: a review of treatment outcomes

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the results of arthroscopic suture fixation with fiber wires used as treatment for ACL avulsion fracture, and to determine how effective such a technique is when it comes to restoring of knee function. This prospective study involves 28 patients, who underwent arthroscopic fixation of displaced ACL avulsion fractures at Saint Paul Hospital (Hanoi) from January 2014 to March 2018. The first 3 weeks were not marked with any abnormalities associated with postoperative sutures and hematomas; infectious complications were not detected either. Postoperative displacement of fracture fragments did not take place among the patients involved in the study. At the 3-month follow-up, the average IKDC score was 90.7 (range 76-100), and the average Lysholm score was 93.6 (range 82-100). The percentage of excellent scores was 42.9% (12 patients), good scores accounted for 50% (14 patients), while fair/poor scores accounted for 3.6% each (one patient on each score). The percentage of excellent/good scores was 92.9% in total. This study shows that ACL avulsion fracture can be treated effectively by arthroscopic suture fixation with fiber wires. In fact, this technique may restore knee function and stability.

Avulsion Fracture of the Anterior Intercondylar Eminence in an Eight-year-old Child: ACase Report

Introduction:

Avulsion fractures of the tibial intercondylar eminence are rare and occur mostly in children. The purpose of this paper is to present a case of this rare pathology and to underline the importance of early diagnosis.

Case Report:

A male 8-year-old child presented with pain in his left knee and difficulties to walk after a combined injury of falling and contact trauma. Radiographic studies with conventional X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scan depicted a fracture of the intercondylar eminence. In this Type II fracture according to the classification of Meyers and McKeever, an operative treatment with knee arthroscopy was established to remove the loose bone. Post-operative, the knee was immobilized in extension for 4 weeks. Physiotherapy was initiated immediately after surgery. The follow-up CT scan 6weeks after injury showed a starting consolidation and the magnetic resonance imaging scan 8 weeks after injury a complete consolidation of the fracture.

Conclusion:

Hyperflexion and rotation trauma result rather in bony avulsions than in ligamentous lesions in pediatric patients. Early diagnostic examination with conventional X-ray and CTscans is performed to not miss concomitant injuries. Depending on the type of eminentiaintercondylaris fracture, an operative or conservative treatment is indicated.

Prevalence of knee stiffness after arthroscopic bone suture fixation of tibial spine avulsion fractures in adults

BACKGROUND

Tibial spine avulsion fractures (TSAFs) occur chiefly in adolescents. Few published data are available on outcomes after arthroscopic surgical treatment of TSAFs in adults.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate outcomes of consecutive patients with TSAFs managed by arthroscopic bone suture followed by a standardised non-aggressive rehabilitation programme.

HYPOTHESIS

Arthroscopic bone suture followed by non-aggressive rehabilitation therapy reliably produces satisfactory outcomes in adults with TSAF.

METHODS

Thirteen adults were included. Outcomes were evaluated based on the Tegner score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, anterior-posterior knee laxity, passive and active motion ranges, and radiological appearance.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up of 41±27months (12-94months), all 13 patients had healed fractures without secondary displacement. No patient had knee instability. Post-operative stiffness was noted in 5 patients (2 with complex regional pain syndrome and 3 with extension lag), 1 of whom required surgical release. The mean IKDC score was 91.3±11.7. The mean Tegner score was 5.46±1.37 compared to 6.38±0.70 before surgery. Mean tibial translation (measured using the Rolimeter) was 1.09±1.22mm, compared to 5.9±1.85mm before surgery.

CONCLUSION

The outcomes reported here support the reliability of arthroscopic bone suture for TSAF fixation. Nevertheless, a substantial proportion of patients experienced post-operative stiffness, whose contributory factors may include stunning of the quadriceps due to the short time from injury to surgery and the use of a gentle rehabilitation programme.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective study of treatment outcomes.

Arthroscopic treatment of tibial eminence fracture: a systematic review of different fixation methods

INTRODUCTION

Arthroscopy procedures are the gold standard for the management of tibial spine avulsion. This review evaluates and compares different arthroscopic treatment options for tibial spine fractures.

SOURCE OF DATA

PubMed, Medline, Ovid, Google Scholar and Embase databases were systematically searched with no limit regarding the year of publication.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

An arthroscopic approach compared with arthrotomy reduces complications such as soft-tissue lesions, post-operative pain and length of hospitalization.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

The use of suture techniques, compared to cannulated screw technique, avoids a second surgery for removal of the screws, but requires longer immobilization and partial weight bearing.

GROWING POINTS

Clinical outcomes and radiographic results do not seem to differ in relation to the chosen method of fixation.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

Further studies are needed to produce clear guidelines to define the best choice in terms of clinical outcomes, function and complications.

A Case of Nonunion Avulsion Fracture of the Anterior Tibial Eminence

Avulsion fracture of the anterior tibial eminence is an uncommon injury. If bone union does not occur, knee extension will be limited by impingement of the avulsed fragment and knee instability will be induced by dysfunction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This report describes a 55-year-old woman who experienced an avulsion fracture of the right anterior tibial eminence during recreational skiing. Sixteen months later, she presented at our hospital with limitation of right knee extension. Plain radiography showed nonunion of the avulsion fracture region, and arthroscopy showed that the avulsed fragment impinged the femoral intercondylar notch during knee extension. The anterior region of the bony fragment was debrided arthroscopically until the knee could be extended completely. There was no subsequent instability, and the patient was able to climb a mountain 6 months after surgery. These findings indicate that arthroscopic debridement of an avulsed fragment for nonunion of an avulsion fracture of the anterior tibial eminence is a minimally invasive and effective treatment for middle-aged and elderly patients with a low level of sports activity.

Treatment of tibia avulsion fracture of posterior cruciate ligament with high-strength suture fixation under arthroscopy

Aim

To evaluate the outcome of arthroscopy treatment using high-strength line in the treatment of tibial avulsion fracture of posterior cruciate ligament.

Methods

Both the avulsed bone block and the tibia bone bed were refreshed. The procedure was completed with the assistance of PCL director drill guide. The reduction and fixation using high-strength line were used to fix the avulsed bone by from posterior middle portal. Rehabilitation began early postoperatively.

Results

From January 2010 to June 2012, a total of 18 arthroscopically treated cases of PCL tibial avulsion fracture were retrospectively evaluated. Reduction of the avulsion fragment was obtained in all cases. 16 cases were followed up for 7–30 months (average 13.6), and 2 cases were out of follow-up. In the 16 followed patients, flexion and extension were back to normal within 6 weeks, and return to normal walk in 12 weeks. The bone healing was good without any vascular or nerve complications. All the patients regained the preinjury activity level. The mean score (and standard deviation) increased from 38.9 ± 4.9 points to 95.2 ± 3.8 points with the system of Lysholm, from 57.1 ± 10.3 points to 94.3 ± 4.4 points with the system of IKDC. Post-test displacement of KT3000 declined from 3.6 ± 0.39 to 1.1 ± 0.27 mm.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic vertical fixation by high-strength line is a simple, safe, reliable, and micro-invasive treatment to PCL tibial avulsion fracture. It is a kind of real all arthroscopic technique, and good for early postoperative rehabilitation. The total stability of the knee could be gained, and the second operation to remove the internal fixation is avoided.

Anterior arthroscopic-assisted fixation of posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures

Background

Avulsion fractures of the tibial insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) have always been regarded as rare injuries. The tibial attachment of the PCL is located in an area, which is difficult to access.

Hypothesis

To verify the effects of anterior arthroscopic fixation of PCL avulsion fractures.

Methods

18 patients with PCL avulsion fracture were included. The inclusion criteria were: (1) the fracture fragment size was greater than 20 mm; (2) surgery in the acute phase of fractures (<3 weeks). The intervention was anterior arthroscopic fixation of fractures. Outcome variables included posterior laxity assessment with KT2000 arthrometer, posterior sag sign, the quadriceps activation test, the reverse Lachman, posterior stress X-rays, range of motion, and the IKDC form assessment.

Results

Complete osseous union showed in all cases during the follow-up (24–49 months). The posterior laxity assessment demonstrated slight posterior tibia translation (<5 mm) on the femur in 1 patient at 89 N and in 2 at maximal testing. All were stable on the posterior sag sign, the quadriceps activation test, the reverse Lachman and posterior stress X-rays. Two had loss of flexion of about 10° (grade B). Others showed a full range of knee motion. According to the IKDC form assessment, 16 patients were classified as grade A and 2 were classified as grade B. 16 of 18 patients were absolutely pain free, and there was general satisfaction on pain questionnaire. All the patients returned to their pre-injury knee function. No revision surgery was performed.

Conclusions

The anterior arthroscopic-assisted fixation guided with a tibial PCL guide is a simple and feasible alternative for treating PCL avulsion fractures when the fragment size is larger than 20 mm.

Level of evidence

Case–control study, Level III.

The tibial eminence fracture in skeletally immature patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although tibial eminence fractures are uncommon, their importance cannot be overemphasized in skeletally immature patients because of the fracture's close proximity to both the tibial physis as well as the attachment between the tibial eminence and the anterior cruciate ligament, the latter being a key component in maintaining knee stability. This review focuses on recent trends in treatment concepts and devices.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent literature on this topic addresses the existence of a variety of treatment modalities, but the majority of these articles analyzed a limited number of cases and insisted on the merits of their own methods. Nevertheless, some consensus has been reached regarding treatment direction and how much laxity should be considered acceptable.

SUMMARY

Although the review failed to reveal a gold standard modality in treating tibial eminence fractures, most studies agreed on several issues. Displaced intra-articular fractures should be fixed operatively.

Arthroscopic 4-point suture fixation of anterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fractures

Tibial eminence avulsion fractures are rare injuries occurring mainly in adolescents and young adults. When necessary, regardless of patient age, anatomic reduction and stable internal fixation are mandatory for fracture healing and accurate restoration of normal knee biomechanics. Various arthroscopically assisted fixation methods with sutures, anchors, wires, or screws have been described but can be technically demanding, thus elongating operative times. The purpose of this article is to present a technical variation of arthroscopic suture fixation of anterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures. Using thoracic drain needles over 2.4-mm anterior cruciate ligament tibial guidewires, we recommend the safe and easy creation of four 2.9-mm tibial tunnels at different angles and at specific points. This technique uses thoracic drain needles as suture passage cannulas and offers 4-point fixation stability, avoiding potential complications of bony bridge fracture and tunnel connection.

Tibial eminence fractures in the paediatric population: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

We present a systematic review of the literature for the management of tibial eminence fractures in the paediatric population. Our aims were to assess modalities of injury, treatment options available and their associated complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We found 740 relevant citations in the English literature up to 1 October 2012, of which 36 full text articles met our inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Our results show that skiing, sports and motor vehicle accidents are increasingly common modes of injury, in addition to the commonly described fall off of a bicycle. Most studies advocate non-operative management for type I Meyer's and McKeever's fractures and reduction and internal fixation for type II and III fractures. Better long-term results have been reported with arthroscopic surgery compared to open surgery. There is no consensus as to which type of fixation is best suited for tibial eminence fractures; methods available include excision of the bony fragment, K-wire, screw and, absorbable suture fixation, and more recently, suture anchor and meniscal arrow. The main complications reported include arthrofibrosis, non-union, mal-union, pain and severe laxity. Early post-operative range of motion exercises have been shown to reduce the incidence of arthrofibrosis.

CONCLUSION

As all papers report results from small case series, Level I studies are required to produce more definitive evidence for the management of paediatric tibial eminence fractures.

Combined anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments avulsion from the tibial side in adult patient: case report

The authors describe a rare case of a 28-year-old male patient, victim of motorcycle crash, with direct impact on the right knee, who sustained a bicruciate ligament fracture avulsion from the tibial side, dislocated and with large dimensions, without associated ligamentary lesions; he has undergone surgical treatment - open reduction and internal fixation, of the avulsions, and the follow up was at least six months, presenting good outcome using the Tegner-Lysholm scale.

Effect of heat and cold on tendon flexibility and force to flex the human knee

BACKGROUND

It is commonly believed in medicine that using heat will increase the distensability and flexibility of soft tissue. If true, increased flexibility would be a positive factor to reduce injuries in sports. However, cold should have the opposite effect and is often used to treat sports injuries. This study was accomplished to quantify the effect of heat and cold on the force needed to flex the knee and laxness of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The present study examined 20 male and female subjects to determine if heat would increase extensibility of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments of the knee and reduce the force needed to flex the knee. Cold exposure was examined to see if it would have the opposite effect. There were 4 experiments in the series: The first was a room temperature series; the second was a series where cold was applied with an ice pack for 20 minutes; in the third, hydrocollator heat packs were applied for 20 minutes; and in the fourth, ThermaCare heat wraps were applied for 4 hours on the quadriceps and knee. Tendon extensibility was measured with a KT2000. The force for flexing the knee was measured by passive movement being applied (CPM) to the knee through 30° and the force required to move the leg was measured.

RESULTS

The results show that the anterior and posterior cruciate ligament flexibility increased and the force needed to move the knee decreased with heat by about 25% compared to cold application.

CONCLUSIONS

Heat is beneficial in increasing muscle and ligament flexibility and may help reduce athletic injuries, but cold treatment may have the opposite effect.

Biomechanical comparison of three techniques for fixation of tibial avulsion fractures of the anterior cruciate ligament

PURPOSE

To evaluate the initial stability of a suture anchor fixation and to compare this with a screw fixation and pull-out suture fixation for anterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fracture.

METHODS

The initial fixation strength of 3 different fixation techniques, antegrade cannulated screw fixation, pull-out suture fixation with Ethibond and bioabsorbable knotless suture anchor fixation, was evaluated. Using 14 fresh cadavers (28 knees), the strength to failure, initial displacement and mode of failure were measured.

RESULTS

The strength to failure of the suture anchor fixation was not significantly different from that of the screw fixation and was higher than that of the pull-out suture fixation. The initial displacement of the suture anchor fixation was lower than that of the screw fixation and the pull-out suture fixation. The majority of the suture anchor fixations and the screw fixations were failed by pull-out from the bone. Eight of the 56 suture anchor fixations failed by pull-out of the suture from the ligament proper. And, one of the 7 screw fixations failed due to fracture of the avulsed bony fragment. All of the pull-out suture fixations failed by suture material rupture.

CONCLUSIONS

These biomechanical results suggest that the initial fixation strength of suture anchor fixation was not less than that of screw fixation or pull-out suture fixation. And, the initial displacement of suture anchor fixation was lower than that of screw fixation or pull-out suture fixation. The suture anchor fixation appears to be a good alternative fixation technique for repair of anterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fracture.