Incidence of Associated Knee Injury in Pediatric Tibial Eminence Fractures

Abstract

Our intent is to review pediatric tibial eminence fractures treated at a Level I Trauma Center and to note the incidence of associated knee pathology. All pediatric patients treated operatively for a tibial eminence fracture over a 10-year period were identified. A chart review was performed to identify patient demographics, injury pattern, presence of associated pathology, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. In our series of 20 pediatric tibial eminence fractures, 6 patients had associated meniscal tears. Meniscal tears occurred more commonly in type III injuries (5 of 13) than type II injuries (1 of 6). Two patients sustained associated ligamentous injury; there were no patients with associated chondral defects. A displaced pediatric tibial eminence fracture is a relatively infrequent injury. The incidence of associated meniscal injury in our study was 30%, and associated ligamentous injury was uncommon. Arthroscopic evaluation before definitive treatment of displaced tibial eminence fractures should be considered given the associated incidence of meniscal tears. MRI does not appear to provide additional information if arthroscopic treatment is pursued. This study is level IV, case series.