Anterior Tibial Spine Fractures Research Articles

Anatomical factors associated with the development of anterior tibial spine fractures based on MRI measurements

BackgroundNumerous studies have investigated anatomic factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, such as posterior tibial slope (PTS) and notch width index (NWI). However, anterior tibial spine fracture (ATSF) as a specific pattern of ACL injury, a bony avulsion of the ACL from its insertion on the intercondylar spine of the tibia, has rarely been explored for its anatomical risk factors. Identifying anatomic parameters of the knee associated with ATSF is important for understanding injury mechanisms and prevention.MethodsPatients who underwent surgery for ATSF between January 2010 and December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed, and 38 patients were included in the study group. Thirty-eight patients who suffered from isolated meniscal tear without other pathologic findings were matched in a 1:1 fashion by age, sex and BMI to the study group. The lateral posterior tibial slope (LPTS), medial posterior tibial slope (MPTS), medial tibial depth, lateral tibial height, lateral femoral condyle ratio (LFCR) and NWI were measured and compared between the ATSF and control groups. Binary logistic regressions identified independent predictors of ATSF. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to compare the diagnostic performance and determine the cutoff values of associated parameters.ResultsThe LPTS, LFCR and MPTS were significantly larger in the knees in the ATSF group than in the control group (P = 0.001, P = 0.012 and P = 0.005, respectively). The NWI was significantly smaller in the knees in the ATSF group than in the control group (P = 0.005). According to the results of logistic regression analysis, the LPTS, LFCR and NWI were independently associated with ATSF. The LPTS was the strongest predictor variable, and the ROC analysis revealed 63.2% sensitivity and 76.3% specificity (area under the curve, 0.731; 95% CI 0.619–0.844) for values above 6.9.ConclusionThe LPTS, LFCR and NWI were found to be associated with the ATSF; in particular, LPTS could provide the most accurate predictive performance. The findings of this study may aid clinicians in identifying people at risk for ATSF and taking individualized preventive measures. However, further investigation regarding the pattern and biomechanical mechanisms of this injury is required.

Positive Pivot Shift Test among Patients with Displaced Anterior Tibial Spine Fractures Undergoing Arthroscopic Fixation in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Understanding of displaced anterior tibial spine fractures has evolved over the years and is now considered to be anterior cruciate ligament avulsion injuries rather than intra-articular fractures. However, there are very few studies available evaluating the presence or absence of a pivot shift test, which is specific in diagnosing anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency, in patients with anterior tibial spine fractures. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of the positive pivot shift test among patients with displaced anterior tibial spine fractures undergoing arthroscopic fixation in a tertiary care centre. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients presented with displaced anterior tibial spine fractures undergoing arthroscopic fixation. The data were collected between 1 January 2020 and 30 May 2022. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: IRC_2019_11_09_1). All patients who presented with displaced anterior tibial spine fractures undergoing arthroscopic fixation were included in the study and those who did not provide consent were excluded. The pivot test was performed under anaesthesia. Point estimate and 90% Confidence Interval were calculated. Among 48 patients, pivot shift was positive in 36 (75%) (64.75-85.25, 90% Confidence Interval). The mean age of the participants was 28.97±11.16 years, 21 (58.33%) were males and 15 (41.66%) were females. The prevalence of positive pivot shift test under anaesthesia in patients with displaced anterior tibial spine fractures undergoing arthroscopic fixation was higher than other studies done in similar settings. anterior cruciate ligament; arthroscopy; knee fractures; physical examination.

The Impact of Race, Insurance, and Socioeconomic Factors on Pediatric Knee Injuries.

Disparities persist in pediatric sports medicine along the lines of race, ethnicity, insurance status, and other demographic factors. In the context of knee injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures, meniscus tears, and tibial spine fractures, these inequalities affect evaluation, treatment, and outcomes. The long-term effects can be far-reaching, including sports and physical activity participation, comorbid chronic disease, and socio-emotional health. Further research is needed to more concretely identify the etiology of these disparities so that effective, equitable care is provided for all children.

Incidence of anterior tibial spine fracture among skiers does not differ with age.

Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is common in alpine skiing in the form of either an intra-substance ACL tear or anterior tibial spine fracture (ATSF). Anterior tibial spine fractures are typically reported in children. However, several case reports describe these injuries in adults while skiing. The purpose of this study is to describe the sport specific incidence of ATSF in alpine skiing. The study was conducted over a 22-year period. Skiers who suffered an ATSF were identified and radiographs were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis. Additionally, control data from intra-substance ACL injury groups were collected. The incidence of these injuries in children, adolescents, and adults (grouped as ages 0-10, 11-16, and 17 + years old, respectively) was evaluated and the risk factors for ATSF versus ACL tear were determined. There were 1688 intra-substance ACL and 51 ATSF injuries. The incidence of intra-substance ACL injury was greater in adults (40.0 per 100,000 skier days) compared to the adolescent (15.4 per 100,000) and child (1.1 per 100,000) age groups. In contrast, the incidence of ATSF was similar in the adult (0.9 per 100,000), adolescent (1.9 per 100,000), and child (1.9 per 100,000) age groups. Loose ski boot fit was identified as a risk factor for ATSF. The incidence of ATSF in alpine skiers is similar among all age groups. However, the incidence of intra-substance ACL injuries is far greater in adult skiers compared to adolescents and children. Risk factors for ATSF relate to compliance between the foot/ankle and the ski boot. III.

Management and Complications in Nonoperative Fractures of the Tibial Spine: A Systematic Review.

Effective options exist for acute nonoperative management of anterior tibial spine fractures, yet there exists a paucity of literature describing long-term outcomes for these patients. This systematic review thus aims to consolidate management strategies and complications for patients with nonoperative anterior tibial spine fractures. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, 5 databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Pubmed) were searched and screened in duplicate. Quality assessment was performed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria. Of 485 studies identified in the initial search, a total of 18 studies involving 369 patients were eligible for this review. These were stratified into 173 type I, 124 type II, and 72 type III injuries as described by Meyers and McKeever. All patients were treated with knee immobilization in either full extension or slight flexion, with possible closed reduction and/or aspiration of hemarthrosis. Complications at final follow-up comprised 33.9% of patients with persistent stiffness, 19.4% persistent instability, 11.1% mechanical symptoms, 6.37 delayed anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, 4.9% delayed operative intervention for other complications, and 1.9% extension impingement. Given the lack of comparative studies in this review, definitive conclusions for nonoperative management are difficult to establish on the basis of the current body of literature alone. A modestly higher rate of arthrofibrosis and persistent laxity are seen in higher-grade injuries, however, only a minority of studies stratified complications by Meyers and McKeever classification in this review. A better understanding of variables in treatment decision making require further prospective study focused on the collection of functional and patient-reported outcome measures, whereas also further delineating complications by injury severity.

RELIABILITY IN RADIOGRAPHIC REVIEW OF TIBIAL SPINE FRACTURES IN A TIBIAL SPINE RESEARCH INTEREST GROUP

BACKGROUND: Variability that exists amongst the radiographic measurement parameters associated with tibial spine fractures may have direct consequences when comparing, reporting, or treating these injuries. In developing data collection of tibial spine fractures amongst multiple centers, it is important to establish reliability in radiographic parameters. Therefore, we designed a study to validate the classification and a proposed cohort of measurements of tibial spine fractures amongst multiple institutions to assist with standardizing fracture classification and treatment decisions. METHODS: Radiographic assessment of de-identified acute tibial spine fractures was performed by members of the Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine (PRISM) Tibial Spine Research Interest Group. A descriptive Powerpoint presentation was provided to each reviewer demonstrating specific measurements and classification prior to review. Reviewers were also asked to provide treatment recommendations. DICOM files were provided to the surgeon through a web-based shared drive and reviewers were required to use the same imaging software. There were 40 patients included, determined through power analysis performed based on previous reliability studies and the number of participants. Assuming the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) will be .85 and 95% confidence interval to be 0.2, the sample size of 40 will achieve the desired 95% confidence. Data will be reviewed using both kappa and ICC reliability measures due to both categorical and continuous data points. RESULTS: A majority of radiographic measures demonstrated moderate ICC including posterior-proximal displacement (0.378), length and height of tibial spine fracture (0.466 and 0.535, respectively), and superior displacement of medial fragment (0.420). Good ICC was seen with superior displacement of the anterior tibial spine fragment (0.734). Poor correlation was seen with the measurements for anterior displacement, posterior sagittal displacement, and roof inclination angle. Classifying tibial spine fractures according to the historical Meyer & McKeever Classification demonstrated fair agreement (kappa = 0.347). 18 of 40 (45%) fracture patterns were classified by reviewers in three or more different classifications types while only 1 fracture pattern (Type 1) was agreed upon by all reviewers. A majority of reviewers recommended arthroscopic treatment with suture for more fracture patterns. However, there was fair agreement with the initial treatment regarding operative versus closed reduction (kappa = 0.328). CONCLUSION: Measurement of superior displacement of anterior tibial spine fracture on the lateral images is the only radiographic assessment with good correlation or agreement amongst a group of surgeons in a Tibial Spine Research Group. Classification of tibial spine fractures did not demonstrate acceptable agreement. Further studies and classification methodology is needed to standardize fracture patterns and thereby study outcomes based on pattern and treatment.

Anterior tibial spine (ACL avulsion) fracture treated with open reduction and fixation with screw: surgical technique, functional and clinico-radiological outcomes

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The anterior tibial spine fracture occurs almost at a same frequency both in adolescents and in adults. These injuries are often overlooked at emergency room. Stable internal fixation requires to gain optimum function of ACL by securing its length and nascent tension. We treated anterior tibial spine (ACL avulsion) fracture patient with open reduction and screw fixation.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Study of Ten patients of anterior tibial spine (ACL avulsion) fracture, with minimum of 06 months and maximum of 18 months follow up. Classification of anterior tibial spine (ACL avulsion) a fracture done by Meyer and Mckeever. All patients operated with open reduction and internal fixation with screw via medial parapatellar approach. Functional and clinical outcome measured with Lysholm knee score at final follow up.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> We studied 10 patients with anterior tibial spine (ACL avulsion) fractrure where mean age of patient was 36.4 years. Mean radiological healing was 10.6 weeks in anterior tibial spine (ACL avulsion) fracture. We observed mean motion of knee 133 degree in anterior tibial spine (ACL avulsion) fracture. Mean Lysholm score at final follow up was 86.8.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Open reduction for anterior tibial spine (ACL) fracture provides direct visualization with easy application of screws ultimately confers stable osteosynthesis enables to start early range of motion and further rehabilitation protocol. Open reduction internal fixation is comparative less technically demanding, less expansive and gives excellent to good results as compared to other techniques.</p><p class="abstract"> </p>

Epidemiology of Anterior Tibial Spine Fractures in Young Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 122 Cases.

Historically, bicycle accidents were described as the most common mechanism for pediatric anterior tibial spine fractures (ATSFs). There is a paucity of current literature examining the demographic factors associated with these injuries. The purpose of this cohort study was to characterize the epidemiology of ATSFs presenting to a single tertiary referral pediatric hospital. A consecutive cohort of 122 pediatric patients with ATSFs between 1996 and 2014 were reviewed. Radiographic variables, classification of fractures (Meyers and McKeever type), age, sex, height, weight, body mass index, and mechanism of injury were retrieved. Categories of mechanism of injury included organized sports (football, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, wrestling, and gymnastics), bicycling, outdoor sports (skiing, skateboarding, and sledding), fall, motor vehicle collision/pedestrian versus motor vehicle, and trampoline. Organized sports-related injuries represented the most common cause of ATSFs (36%). Other common mechanisms of injury included bicycle accidents (25%), outdoor sports (18%), and falls (11%). There was a higher proportion of males (69%) compared with females (31%). Males (mean age, 11.6 y) were significantly older than females (mean age, 9.8 y) (P=0.004). Younger patients (aged 11.5 y and below) were more likely to have displaced fractures (type III), whereas type I and type II were more common in patients above 11.5 years (P=0.02). Patients with fracture type I were significantly taller than patients with fracture type III. No other variables were found to differ significantly according to fracture severity, including sex, weight, and body mass index. To our knowledge, our study represents both the largest (n=122) and most up-to-date epidemiological ATSF study in pediatric patients. A higher rate of ATSF occurs due to organized sports rather than bicycling or motor vehicle collision. This 18-year data collection represents a change in the paradigm, and is likely multifactorial, including increased participation in youth sports and early sport specialization. Level IV-retrospective, cohort study.

Which Factors Increase the Risk of Re-Operation after Meniscus Surgery in the Skeletally Immature?

Objectives:The purpose of this study is to determine which factors heighten the risk for subsequent operations in skeletally immature patients undergoing meniscus surgery.Methods:A retrospective institutional database of 1,063 meniscus surgeries performed between 2000 and 2015 was reviewed. All procedures were performed in skeletally immature patients. Demographic and intra-operative information was recorded, as were concurrent injuries or operations and subsequent surgeries. Univariate analysis consisted of chi-square and independent-samples t-tests. Multivariate logistic regression was then performed to control for confounding factors.Results:The mean age at initial surgery was 13.4 years (standard deviation, SD, 2.2 years) and the average follow-up duration was 47 months (SD 54 months). Overall, 314 patients (29.5%) required repeat surgical intervention. 36% of all females required subsequent surgery compared to 26% of males (p<0.01). Discoid menisci underwent repeat operation more frequently than non-discoid menisci (35% vs. 27%, p=0.01). After accounting for confounders in a multivariate model, females had 2.2 times the odds of repeat surgery than males (95% CI 1.4-3.3, p<0.01) and each year of increasing age resulted in 1.3 times higher odds (95% CI 1.1 -1.4, p<0.01). The odds of subsequent surgeries were 4.2 times higher in those with flap tears (95% CI 1.8-9.7, p<0.01) and 2.9 times higher for discoid menisci (95% CI 1.4-6.0, p<0.01). Concomitant anterior cruciate ligament rupture or tibial spine fracture decreased the risk of needing additional surgeries in univariate analysis, but lost statistical significance in the multivariate model.Conclusion:Even when accounting for other factors in a multivariate model, female sex, increasing age, flap tears, and discoid meniscus were risk factors for subsequent procedures after meniscus surgery in skeletally immature patients. The re-operation rate in this population may be higher than previously reported. This study describes, for the first time, risk factors for repeat operations in skeletally immature patients undergoing meniscus surgery. These results can be used to counsel and monitor patients accordingly.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury at the Time of Anterior Tibial Spine Fracture in Young Patients: An Observational Cohort Study.

Anterior tibial spine fractures (ATSF) in the skeletally immature parallel anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in adult patients, yet these injuries are generally regarded as mutually exclusive. Biomechanical analysis suggests that intrinsic ACL damage occurs during ATSF, and long-term clinical studies demonstrate residual anteroposterior knee laxity following ATSF. We aim to describe prevalence, demographics, and characteristics of pediatric patients who sustained ATSF with concomitant ACL injury. We included 129 patients with ATSF over a 16-year period. Age, sex, injury mechanism, ATSF type, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation, treatment modality, ACL injury, and concomitant meniscal/chondral injuries were analyzed. Concurrent ACL injury was confirmed either from MRI or intraoperatively. Nineteen percent (n=25) of ATSF patients had concomitant ACL injury, with ACL injury significantly more likely in type II or type III ATSF compared with type I ATSF (P=0.03). Patients with combined ATSF/ACL injury were significantly older (P=0.02) and more likely to be male (P=0.01). Mechanism of ATSF injury was not associated with ACL injury (P=0.83). Preoperative MRI had low sensitivity (0.09) for recognizing ACL injury at the time of ATSF relative to intraoperative assessment. Half of ATSF/ACL-injured patients had additional meniscal or chondral injury, with meniscal repair or debridement required in 37.5% of the type II ATSF/ACL injury. There are demographic characteristics, such as age (older) and sex (male), associated with a higher risk of concomitant ACL injury at the time of ATSF. Type II and type III ATSF patterns had a higher prevalence of ACL injury. MRI failed to correctly identify ACL injury at the time of ATSF. Concomitant ACL injury at the time of ATSF is highly prevalent in the skeletally immature, occurring in 19.4% of patients with ATSF. Level IV-case series.

Delayed Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Young Patients With Previous Anterior Tibial Spine Fractures

Background: Avulsion fractures of the anterior tibial spine in young athletes are injuries similar to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in adults. Sparse data exist on the association between anterior tibial spine fractures (ATSFs) and later ligamentous laxity or injuries leading to ACL reconstruction. Purpose: To better delineate the incidence of delayed instability or ACL ruptures requiring delayed ACL reconstruction in young patients with prior fractures of the tibial eminence. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: We identified 101 patients between January 1993 and January 2012 who sustained an ATSF and who met inclusion criteria for this study. All patients had been followed for at least 2 years after the initial injury and were included for analysis after completion of a questionnaire via direct contact, mail, and/or telephone. If patients underwent further surgical intervention and/or underwent later ACL reconstruction, clinical records and operative reports pertaining to these secondary interventions were obtained and reviewed. Differences between categorical variables were assessed using the Fisher exact test. The association between time to revision ACL surgery and fracture type was assessed by Kaplan-Meier plots. The association between need for revision ACL surgery and age, sex, and mechanism of surgery was assessed using logistic regression. Results: Nineteen percent of all patients evaluated underwent delayed ACL reconstruction after a previous tibial spine fracture on the ipsilateral side. While there were a higher proportion of ACL reconstructions in type II fractures, there was not a statistically significant difference in the number of patients within each fracture group who went on to undergo later surgery (P = .29). Further, there was not a significant association between fracture type, sex, or mechanism of injury as it related to the progression to later ACL reconstruction. However, there was a significant association between age at the time of injury and progression to later ACL reconstruction (P = .02). For every year increase in age at the time of injury, the odds of going on to undergo delayed ACL reconstruction were greater by a factor of 1.3 (95% CI, 1.1-1.6). Conclusion: Although an ATSF is a relatively rare injury, our cohort of patients suggests that a subset of young patients with all types of tibial spine fractures will require later ACL reconstruction. There is a need to counsel patients that a delayed ACL rupture is a potential risk after an ATSF, especially as children approach skeletal maturity. Further patient follow-up and prospective studies are required.

Incidence Of Delayed Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Skeletally Immature Patients With Previous Anterior Tibial Spine Fractures

Objectives:Pediatric avulsion fractures of the anterior tibial spine are injuries similar to anterior cruciate ligament injuries in adults. Sparse data exists on the association between anterior tibial spine fractures (ATSFs) and later ligamentous laxity and need for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Understanding that there is a component of stretch injury to the ACL during initial ATSF, and that there is limited ability for the ACL to undergo remodeling of mid substance fibers, it would stand to reason that this injury could cause weakness in the ACL and lead to delayed instability or injury. This research presents a retrospective review of clinical records, operative reports, and patient reporting to characterize the incidence of delayed ACL reconstruction in cases of ATSFs in children. The purpose of this study was to better delineate the incidence of delayed instability or ACL rupture requiring further surgery in the form of ACL reconstruction.Methods:We identified 44 patients who sustained an ATSF and met inclusion criteria for this study between 1996 and 2011. The subjects were aged between 5 and 18 at the time of injury and were separated by the Myers and McKeever classification into type I, II, and III fractures. All patients had at least two-year follow-up after initially injury by clinical examination and/or via telephone. Patients were asked if any further surgical intervention was performed on their injured knee, and if so, operative reports were reviewed thereafter.Results:Eleven percent of children with an ATSF sustained a delayed ACL rupture requiring ACL reconstruction. No delayed ACL reconstruction with type I fractures (0/6) was found. Fourteen percent of type II injuries (4/21) reported delayed ACL reconstruction after a second injury. Six percent (1/17) type III fractures went onto later reconstruction.Conclusion:This data suggests that a small subset of patients with previous ATSF may be at risk for delayed ACL rupture. At this time, it is unclear as to whether these delayed ACL ruptures are related to initial injury or caused only by a secondary event that would have otherwise caused ACL rupture. Further patient follow-up and prospective studies are required. Although ATSF is a rare injury, our cohort of patients suggests that a subset of patients with type II and III fractures will require later ACL reconstruction. There is a need to council patients that delayed ACL rupture is a potential risk after an ATSF.

Incidence of meniscal injury and chondral pathology in anterior tibial spine fractures of children.

Pediatric avulsion fractures of the anterior tibial spine are injuries similar to anterior cruciate ligament injuries in adults. Sparse data exists on the association between anterior tibial spine fractures (ATSFs) and injury to the meniscus or cartilage of the knee joint in children. This research presents a retrospective review of clinical records, imaging, and operative reports to characterize the incidence of concomitant injury in cases of ATSFs in children. The purpose of this study was to better delineate the incidence of associated injuries in fractures of the anterior tibial spine in the pediatric population. We identified 58 patients who sustained an ATSF and met inclusion criteria for this study between 1996 and 2011. The subjects were separated by the Myers and McKeever classification into type I, II, and III fractures, and each of these were subclassified by associated injury pattern. 59% of children with an ATSF had an associated soft tissue or other bony injury diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging or arthroscopy. The most prevalent associated injuries were meniscal entrapment, meniscal tears, and chondral injury. We found no meniscal or chondral injury associated with type I fractures. Twenty-nine percent of type II injuries demonstrated meniscal entrapment, 33% showing meniscal tears. Seven percent demonstrated chondral injury. Forty-eight percent of type III fractures had entrapment, whereas 12% showed meniscal tears. Eight percent had a chondral injury. A majority (59%) of displaced ATSF had either concomitant meniscal, ligamentous, or chondral injury. This finding suggests that magnetic resonance imaging evaluation is an important aspect of the evaluation of these injuries, particularly in type II and type III patterns. To date, this study reports the largest number of patients to evaluate the specific question of concomitant injuries in ATSFs in the pediatric population. Level IV.

Occult Intra-articular Knee Injuries in Children With Hemarthrosis

Background: Hemarthrosis after acute knee trauma is a sign of a potentially serious knee injury. Few studies have described the epidemiology and detailed injury spectrum of acute knee injuries in a general pediatric population. Purpose: To document the current injury spectrum of acute knee injuries with hemarthrosis in children aged 9 to 14 years and to describe the distribution of sex, age at injury, type of activity, and activity frequency in this population. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: All patients in the Stockholm County area aged 9 to 14 years who suffered acute knee trauma with hemarthrosis were referred to Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, from September 2011 to April 2012. The patients underwent clinical examination, radiography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The type of activity when injured, regular sports activity/frequency, and patient sex and age were registered. The diagnoses were classified into minor and serious injuries. Results: The study included 117 patients (47 girls and 70 boys; mean age, 13.2 years). Seventy percent had a serious knee injury. Lateral patellar dislocations, anterior cruciate ligament ruptures, and anterior tibial spine fractures were the most common injuries, with an incidence of 0.6, 0.2, and 0.1 per 1000 children, respectively. The sex distribution was equal up to age 13 years; twice as many boys were seen at the age of 14 years. The majority of injuries occurred during sports. Forty-six patients (39%) had radiographs without a bony injury but with a serious injury confirmed on MRI. Conclusion: Seventy percent of the patients aged 9 to 14 years with traumatic knee hemarthrosis had a serious intra-articular injury that needed specific medical attention. Fifty-six percent of these patients had no visible injury on plain radiographs. Physicians who treat this group of patients should consider MRI to establish the diagnosis when there is no or minimal radiographic findings. The most common serious knee injury was a lateral patellar dislocation. This should be taken into consideration to improve prevention strategies and treatment algorithms in pediatric knee injuries.

English

Anterior tibial spine fracture is relatively a rare injury in orthopedic practice. Undisplaced and minimally displaced (type 1&2) fractures can be treated by closed reduction and long leg cast. To avoid persistent post injury instability and secondary degenerative changes displaced tibial spine fractures (type3) need to be managed surgically. In this study, all displaced tibial spine fractures (type3) are treated with open reduction and internal fixation with stainless steel wires except in one case which is fixed with non absorbable suture. During follow up very good result are obtained in respect to satisfactory reduction, healing of fractures, and range of motion and stability of knee.

Arthroscopic Fixation of Anterior Tibial Spine Fractures with Bioabsorbable Nails in Skeletally Immature Patients

Background A number of arthroscopic techniques have been introduced in the treatment of displaced anterior tibial spine fractures. Several of the procedures are technically demanding or include a second removal operation of metallic implants. Purpose The purpose of this study is to describe and evaluate an arthroscopic technique using bioabsorbable nails in displaced anterior tibial spine fractures. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Sixteen consecutive patients, aged 7 to 15 years, with anterior tibial spine fractures type II and III according to Meyers and McKeever, were treated with arthroscopic fixation of the fragment using bioabsorbable nails. After 2 to 5 years, 13 of the patients were evaluated with regard to anterior knee laxity, range of motion, hop tests, Lysholm knee scoring scale, and activity level. Postoperative surgical complications were registered in the whole group of patients. Results One of the 13 patients had an increased anterior knee laxity of 3 mm. Extension deficits of 5° were seen in 4 patients and flexion deficits of 5° to 10° in 3 patients. One patient had an outcome of <90% of the uninjured side in the hop tests. Eleven patients were excellent, 1 was good, and 1 was poor according to the Lysholm knee scoring scale. There was no influence on activity level. There were no inflammatory reactions and all fractures healed without complications. In 1 case, the arthroscopy was converted into an open procedure because of technical problems, still using the bioabsorbable nails. Conclusion The outcome is comparable with other procedures. A second operation for removal of metallic implants is avoided.

Seventeen-Year Follow-up of a Reattachment of a Nonunited Anterior Tibial Spine Avulsion Fracture

Abstract Seventeen years ago we treated a nonunited avulsion fracture of the anterior tibial spine with open reduction and pull-out wires. When the patient was 9 years old, she fell and bruised her left knee. The knee was immobilized for a month in a long cast. When she was 24 years old, she felt severe knee pain and giving way after playing tennis 1 month before her first visit to our hospital. She complained of knee pain, giving way, locking, and 15° loss of knee extension. Radiographs showed a large nonunited fragment at the intercondylar eminence of the tibia. She underwent a reattachment surgery. When she was re-evaluated 17 years after surgery, she had no pain, no giving way, no locking, and no loss of knee extension. On physical examination, there was no instability. Plain anteroposterior and lateral radiographs showed a well-united fragment of the anterior tibial spine. In conclusion, the open reduction for knee pain, giving way, locking, and loss of knee extension caused by nonunion of avulsion of the anterior tibial spine yielded satisfactory results. We believe that in cases of nonunited anterior tibial spine fractures it is necessary to attempt to secure the anterior cruciate ligament in an anatomic position.

Growth influences knee laxity after anterior tibial spine fracture: A study on rabbits

An anterior tibial spine (ATS) fracture, with or without displacement, was created in the right knee of 8-week and 22-23-week-old rabbits. After 4 weeks of cast immobilization and 8 weeks of free cage activities, the animals were killed. A method to measure anterior knee laxity in rabbits was developed using a material testing machine. The laxity of the right knee was compared to the unoperated left knee in each rabbit. The difference was found to have increased in the adult rabbits after the healing of a displaced ATS fracture (median 0.5 mm, range 0.3-0.9), but not in the young rabbits (median 0.2 mm, range 0.0 -0.4). The ultimate load of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was reduced after healing of the ATS fracture. The results support the theory that further growth may compensate for the functional elongation of the ACL caused by healing of a displaced ATS fracture. The study also indicates that an ATS fracture may affect the mechanical properties of the ACL.

Long-term follow-up of anterior tibial spine fractures in children.

In a long-term follow-up (mean 16 years) of 61 children with anterior tibial spine fractures, subjective knee function (Lysholm score) was excellent or good in 87% of the subjects and fair in 13%. Eleven percent of the children had a lower activity level (Tegner score) than desired. Muscle performance was affected in those subjects with the lowest Lysholm scores. Pathological knee laxity was found in 38% of the subjects, but was not reflected in poor subjective knee function. Age at injury did not influence the outcome. There was no indication that young children can eliminate slackness of the anterior cruciate ligament by further growth. Only in type III fractures was there a correlation between fracture displacement after healing and knee laxity, as well as between knee laxity and Lysholm score. Arthroscopy-guided or open reduction and internal fixation seems to be a worthwhile procedure only in dislocated type III fractures.

Surgical Treatment of the Anterior Tibial Spine Fracture: Surgical Indication and Results

Surgical Treatment of the Anterior Tibial Spine Fracture: Surgical Indication and Results