Magnetic Resonance Imaging Aids in Detecting Concomitant Injuries in Patients with Tibial Spine Fractures

Abstract

Tibial spine fracture is one of the clinical entities of anterior cruciate ligament injury, and sometimes is accompanied by concomitant injuries. The purpose of this study was to review magnetic resonance imaging findings in 25 patients with tibial spine fractures and to assess the use of these findings in determining the presence of concomitant injuries. Of these 25 patients, 10 were children and 15 were considered adults (average age, 24.2 years old). A radiologist retrospectively assessed tibial spine fractures and concomitant injuries, such as meniscus and ligament injuries. Comparing the pediatric and adult groups, all additional ligament injuries were confirmed in the adult group. In the pediatric group, only one patient with a chronic injury had meniscus injuries. There were no meniscus tears in pediatric patients with acute injuries. In the adult group, three medial meniscus tears were found in two patients with chronic injuries and one patient with acute injury, and four lateral meniscus tears were found in one patient with a chronic injury and three patients with acute injuries. Because tibial spine fractures in adults may be accompanied by concomitant injuries requiring surgical treatment, magnetic resonance imaging is recommended.