Anchor suture fixation for displaced tibial spine fractures

Abstract

Background Treatment of displaced tibial spine fractures includes varied modalities. The goal of this study was to assess the results of fixation of tibial spine fractures using anchor passing nonabsorbable braided sutures through the substance of the anterior cruciate ligament. Patients and methods Thirteen patients with displaced fractures of the anterior tibial spine were treated in Mansoura emergency hospital with nonabsorbable suture fixation from January 2008 to October 2009; 11 patients were men and two were women. Ten cases were type III and three were type IV following Meyers and McKeever’s classification; the evaluation was performed using the Lachman test and anterior drawer test. The Lysholm score was used as a functional evaluation score. Results Lachman and anterior drawer tests were negative in 10 cases and the other three cases had mild positive tests. The mean postoperative Lysholm score was 96, ranging from 88 to 100. Conclusion Anchor with suture fixation for displaced tibial spine fracture is a reliable technique with excellent functional outcomes that does not need a further operation for implant removal and with less potential breakage of the bone fragment than with the use of screws. Also, the use of screws can be avoided as they have a tendency to migrate into the bone substance.