Arthroscopic physeal sparing all inside repair of the tibial avulsion fracture in the anterior cruciate ligament: technical note

Abstract

We describe a new and effective arthroscopic physeal sparing repair of the tibial eminence avulsion fracture using all an inside repair technique. The treatment of ACL avulsion is controversial, especially in skeletally immature patients, with concerns about physeal damage, and a more reliable way of fixation is still being pursued for small or comminuted fragments. Screw fixation and suture cerclage has some limitations, especially in the small fragment or skeletally immature patients. We fixed avulsion fragment using all inside repair between the distal portion of the ACL and transverse ligament and periosteum. A crescent suture hook loaded with NO. 0 PDS is introduced and the suture hook pierces the transverse intermeniscal ligament and periosteum. The half length of the PDS is now advanced out through the hook and the end is brought out to the anterolateral portal. With the suture hook located intra-articularly and loaded with half the length of the original PDS, the suture hook repierces the transverse intermeniscal ligament at 5 mm on the side and the remaining half length of PDS is now advanced out through the hook and the end is brought out to the anterolateral portal. After that procedure, the suture hook loaded with NO. 0 absorbable Maxon is introduced through the anteromedial portal for the role of shuttle relay. The suture hook pierces the ACL just above the superior border of the avulsion fragment, the Maxon is now advanced out through the hook and the end is brought out to the anterolateral portal. Subsequently, the suture hook is removed and a suture retriever is introduced through the anterolateral portal. PDS and Maxon are held together and retrieved out of the anterolateral portal by the suture retriever at the same time. Our technique has advantages in small comminuted fractures and skeletally immature patients.