Fixation Of Tibial Eminence Fractures Research Articles

Effect of Skeletal Maturity on Fixation Techniques for Tibial Eminence Fractures.

Background:Several fixation methods have been reported for the operative treatment of tibial eminence fractures. Previous biomechanical studies have demonstrated that suture fixation may be a stronger construct; however, the maturity status of these specimens was not scrutinized.Purpose:To examine if suture fixation remains a biomechanically superior fixation method to screw fixation in both skeletally mature and immature specimens.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:Sixteen total matched porcine (Yorkshire) knees (8 skeletally immature knees and 8 skeletally mature knees) were procured, and a standardized tibial eminence fracture was created. In each age-matched group of knees, 4 knees underwent randomization to fixation with 2 screws while 4 knees were randomized to fixation using a dual-suture technique. Once fixation was complete, the specimens underwent cyclic loading (200 cycles) in the anteroposterior plane of the tibia and load-to-failure testing, both with the knee positioned at 30° of flexion. Relevant measurements were recorded, and data were analyzed.Results:Among mature specimens, load to failure was 1.9 times higher in the suture fixation group compared with the screw fixation group (1318.84 ± 305.55 vs 711.66 ± 279.95 N, respectively; P = .03). The load to failure was not significantly different between the groups in immature specimens (suture: 470.00 ± 161.91 N vs screw: 348.79 ± 102.46; P = .08).Conclusion:These findings suggest that suture fixation may represent a better construct choice for fixation of tibial eminence fractures in the skeletally mature population. However, in the skeletally immature population, fixation with screws or suture may be equivalent. Displacement after cyclic loading did not appear to differ by fixation method, nor did stiffness.Clinical Relevance:A stronger fixation construct may be beneficial and allow for earlier range of motion to help potentially decrease postoperative stiffness. Clinical studies are warranted to see if these results may be replicated in humans.

Therapeutic efficacy of arthroscopy-assisted transosseous fixation with the Versalok suture anchor for tibial eminence fractures in adults.

To investigate the clinical outcomes of arthroscopy-assisted transosseous fixation of tibial eminence fractures with the Versalok suture anchor in adults.A total of 23 adult cases of tibial eminence fractures treated between June 2016 and March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The results of the preoperative drawer test and Lachman test were positive. Radiography and computed tomography were performed before and after the procedure. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in every patient after admission. Arthroscopy-assisted fracture reduction and Orthocord high-strength suture fixation with two Versalok anchors were performed in all the patients. The International Knee Documentation Committee scale and the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale were used to evaluate outcomes during the follow-up period. Additionally, the KT-2000 knee stability test was performed.At the final follow-up, all the fractures had proceeded to bony union and no wound infection was observed. The average Lysholm Knee Score of the affected knees was 93.1 (range, 90–98), which was not significantly different from that of the healthy knees (t = 0.732, P = .132). Based on the International Knee Documentation Committee scale results, 21 patients were graded as normal and the other 2 patients were graded as nearly normal. The KT-2000 test showed that the anterior displacement of the affected side and the healthy side was less than 3.6 mm in all cases.The outcomes indicated firm fixation and good fracture healing with minimal trauma. Thus, arthroscopy-assisted transosseous fixation with Versalok suture anchors for adult tibial eminence fractures seems to have satisfactory clinical outcomes.

Reliable ligamentous stability and high return-to-sport rates after arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation of tibial eminence fractures

PurposeTo investigate functional and clinical outcomes, and physical activity after arthroscopic suture fixation of tibial eminence fractures with regard to postoperative stability, range of motion (ROM), complications, and return to sports.MethodsPatients undergoing arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) of tibial eminence fractures using a suture fixation technique were included. Outcome was evaluated retrospectively after a minimum follow-up of 24 months using KT-1000 arthrometer measurements, clinical examination, outcome scores (Lysholm score, Tegner Activity Scale), and a questionnaire about sport activities.ResultsA total of 23 patients (44% male, 57% female) with a mean age of 25 ± 15 years were included. Mean follow-up was 57 ± 25 months. KT-1000 arthrometer measurements of anterior tibial translation revealed a mean side-to-side difference of 0.9 ± 1.0 mm. Clinical examination showed 100% normal or nearly normal anterior translation of the tibia. Two patients (9%) received an ACL reconstruction due to traumatic ACL re-instability and were, therefore, considered as failures. An extension deficit concerning hyperextension occurred in 29% of patients postoperatively. Further postoperative complications occurred in 14% of patients and included postoperative stiffness with ROM limitations and secondary dislocation of a fragment. Mean postoperative Lysholm score was 89 ± 14. Comparing pre- and postoperative values, no significant change of the Tegner Activity Scale was observed. All patients (failures excluded) returned to high impact sports activities after ARIF.ConclusionExcellent reliable ligamentous stability and high rates of return to high impact sports can be expected after ARIF using a suture fixation technique for type II–IV tibial eminence fractures. Complications, such as limitations in ROM, commonly occur in up to 30% after ARIF. Therefore, regular follow-up examinations remain important in this usually young patient cohort.Level of EvidenceLevel IV.

Arthroscopic Reduction and Internal Fixation of Tibial Eminence Fractures With Transosseous Suture Bridge Fixation

Arthroscopic reduction–internal fixation (ARIF) is an increasingly popular option for surgical management of displaced tibial eminence fractures. Although a variety of ARIF techniques have been described, anatomic reduction and stable fixation remain challenging. As a result, complications such as malunion, nonunion, anterior instability, arthrofibrosis, and hardware issues persist. In an effort to reduce complications and improve outcomes, modern suture-based ARIF techniques have been developed. However, the optimal technique and construct remain elusive. This article presents a technique for ARIF of tibial eminence fractures using a transosseous suture bridge construct with extracortical fixation. This technique uses a commercially available suture-passage device and meniscal root repair system for accurate tunnel placement, efficient suture management, and reliable fixation.

DO TIBIAL EMINENCE FRACTURES AND ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT TEARS HAVE SIMILAR OUTCOMES?

Background: Avulsion fractures involving the tibial eminence are considered equivalent in etiology to anterior cruciate ligament tears, however there is limited data comparing outcomes of adolescent patients undergoing surgical fixation of tibial eminence fractures to those undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes, subsequent ACL injury rates, and activity levels between adolescent patients who underwent tibial eminence fracture fixation to patients with mid-substance ACL tears who required acute ligament reconstruction. Methods: This study included a group of patients with tibial eminence fractures treated with surgical fixation matched to a group of similar patients with ACL tears treated with reconstruction between the years of 2001 and 2015. Data regarding initial injury, surgical intervention, ACL/ACL graft injury rates, and physical examination findings were recorded. Clinical and functional outcomes were obtained using physical examination, IKDC subjective scores, Lysholm scores, and Tegner Activity levels. Results: Sixty patients with a mean follow-up of 57.7 (24-206) months were included. 20 patients (11 M:9 F) who underwent surgical fixation for tibial eminence fractures (TEF) with a mean age of 11.9 (7-15) years were matched to a group of 40 patients (23 M:17 F) who underwent ACL reconstruction for ACL tears with a mean age of 12.5 (8-15) years. The TEF group demonstrated significantly lower postoperative IKDC (TEF group: 94.0, ACL group: 97.2 (p=0.04)) and Lysholm scores (TEF group: 92.4, ACL group: 96.9 (p=0.02)). The TEF group returned to sport 121 days sooner (p<0.01), but there was no difference in postoperative Tegner scores (TEF group: 7.3, ACL group: 7.6 (p=0.16)). The TEF group demonstrated increased postoperative anterior laxity (p=0.02) and a higher rate of postoperative arthrofibrosis (p=0.04). There was no difference in subsequent ACL injury (p=0.41). Conclusion: Patients with tibial eminence fractures demonstrated lower mean clinical outcome scores compared to patients with ACL tears at minimum 2-year follow up. Additionally, they experienced more postoperative anterior laxity and had a higher rate of postoperative arthrofibrosis. There was no difference in subsequent ACL injury rate. The TEF group returned to sport sooner than the ACL group, but the postoperative activity level was similar.

Arthroscopic Fixation of Tibial Eminence Fractures: A Biomechanical Comparative Study of Screw, Suture, and Suture Anchor

To compare biomechanical outcomes of 4 different arthroscopic techniques for fixation of tibial eminence fractures. Twenty-four skeletally mature, fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were divided into 4 comparison groups based on the fixation method: screw fixation (group A), traditional sutures fixation with 2 FiberWire sutures (group B), a modified suture technique with 2 FiberWire sutures that created neckwear knots to firmly trap the fracture fragment (group C), or suture anchors which was based on the suture bridge technique primarily used in the shoulder for repair of rotator cuff tears and greater tuberosity fractures (group D). A tibial eminence fracture was created in each knee for subsequent fixation. After fixation, each knee underwent cyclic loading of 100N to assess the displacement change after500 cycles of the fixation construct. Afterward, a single tensile failure test load was performed to assess the ultimate failure load, stiffness, and failure mode for each specimen. All specimens survived cyclic testing and were subsequently loaded to failure. Group C had the highest ultimate failure load (P < .05) and group D had the lowest displacement compared with the other 3 groups (P < .05). Different failure modes were found among the 4 groups. Suture fixation using the neckwear knots technique provides superior fixation with regard to higher ultimate failure load, and absorbable suture anchor fixation with the suture bridge technique provides less displacement under cyclic loading conditions. Both techniques exhibited superior biomechanical properties compared with traditional screw and suture fixation. The new techniques showed satisfactory biomechanical properties and provided more choice for surgeons in the treatment of tibial eminence fractures.

Outcomes after arthroscopic fixation of tibial eminence fractures with bioabsorbable nails in skeletally immature patients.

The aim of this paper is to report the outcomes and any complications with arthroscopic bioabsorbable nail fixation of tibial eminence fractures in skeletally immature patients. We retrospectively reviewed all surgically treated tibial eminence fractures treated by a single surgeon and seven patients were identified with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Mean deficits of flexion and extension were minimal. Satisfactory Tegner levels, Lysholm knee scores, and International Knee Documentation Committee subjective scores were reported. Arthroscopic fixation of tibial eminence fractures with bioabsorbable nails yields satisfactory outcomes for this uncommon injury and obviates the need for future hardware removal.

The Use of Biodegradable Sutures for the Fixation of Tibial Eminence Fractures in Children

Arthroscopic suture fixation of tibial eminence fractures using FiberWire is a favorable therapeutic option. The application of biodegradable material may be of advantage especially during childhood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical properties using the biodegradable suture materials PDS II and Vicryl compared with FiberWire. Bone mineral density was evaluated by pqCT in 18 human knee specimens and 3 similar groups were formed. A standardized anterior tibial eminence fracture was created and suture fixation was performed using each suture material (PDS II, Vicryl, FiberWire) in 6 specimens. Cyclic testing and destructive loading to failure was conducted. Both testing modalities showed PDS II to be inferior to the other evaluated suture materials. Although significantly higher failure loads were seen with FiberWire sutures, Vicryl yielded comparable stiffness in load-to-failure testing. No significant differences between Vicryl and FiberWire could be observed under nondestructive cyclic conditions. Even though FiberWire yields a superior ultimate failure load, Vicryl presented comparable results under cyclic conditions. For tibial eminence fractures in children, Vicryl should be considered as an alternative biodegradable suture material. The use of PDS II cannot be advocated.

Biomechanical Evaluation of Physeal-Sparing Fixation Methods in Tibial Eminence Fractures

Background: Tibial eminence fractures occur most commonly in skeletally immature children. Several techniques using physeal-sparing fracture fixation have been described, but their structural properties have not been evaluated. Purpose: To determine the strength and resistance to displacement of physeal-sparing techniques used to fix tibial eminence fractures. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Skeletally immature porcine knees were randomized into 4 treatment groups: (1) ultra–high molecular weight polyethylene suture–suture button (UHMWPE/SB), (2) suture anchor, (3) polydioxanone suture–suture button (PDS/SB), and (4) screw fixation. A prospective analysis of bone mineral density using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was performed on all specimens. Fracture fragments were created in a standardized manner and measured for size comparison. After fracture fixation, biomechanical testing was performed with cyclical and load-to-failure protocols by loading the tibia with an anterior shear force. Results: In load-to-failure testing, screw fixation had a significantly lower median peak failure load (186.4 N; lower quartile [LQ], 158.4 N; upper quartile [UQ], 232.6 N) than did UHMWPE/SB (465.8 N; LQ, 397.8 N; UQ, 527.8 N), suture anchors (440.5 N; LQ, 323.0 N; UQ, 562.3 N), and PDS/SB (404.3 N; LQ, 385.9 N; UQ, 415.6 N). UHMWPE/SB demonstrated a significantly higher median yield load (465.8 N; LQ, 397.8 N; UQ, 527.8 N) than did PDS/SB (306.7 N; LQ, 271.4, N; UQ, 405.7 N) and screw fixation (179.0 N; LQ, 120.2 N; UQ, 232.5 N). During cyclical testing, screw fixation demonstrated significantly lower percentage survival of specimens (0%) compared with the other groups (UHMWPE/SB, 100%; suture anchor, 78%; PDS/SB, 78%). After 1000 cycles of loading, PDS/SB fixation had significantly more median creep (6.76 mm; LQ, 6.34 mm; UQ, 8.28 mm) than did UHMWPE/SB (4.43 mm; LQ, 3.80 mm; UQ, 4.73 mm) and suture anchor fixation (3.06 mm; LQ, 2.59 mm; UQ, 4.28 mm). The lowest median stiffness was observed in the PDS/SB group (48.6 N/mm; LQ, 45.3 N/mm; UQ, 54.2 N/mm). UHMWPE/SB fixation demonstrated a significantly higher median peak failure load after cyclic testing (469.0 N; LQ, 380.6 N; UQ, 507.2 N) than did PDS/SB (237.7 N; LQ, 197.3 N; UQ, 298.3 N) and screw fixation (132.4 N; LQ, 123.7 N; UQ, 180.9 N). Suture anchor fixation had significantly more variance, as demonstrated by width of interquartile range, in peak failure load, yield load, and creep than did other techniques. Conclusion: Physeal-sparing fixation of tibial eminence fractures with UHMWPE suture–suture button is biomechanically superior to both PDS suture–suture button and a single screw at the time of surgery and provides more consistent fixation than do suture anchors. Clinical Relevance: Suture anchors provide inconsistent fixation for tibial eminence fractures.

Suture Bridge Fixation for Tibial Eminence Fractures

Suture Bridge Fixation for Tibial Eminence Fractures

Biomechanical Comparison of Tibial Eminence Fracture Fixation With High-Strength Suture, EndoButton, and Suture Anchor

To biomechanically compare anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial bony avulsion fixation by suture anchors, EndoButtons (Smith & Nephew, Andover, MA), and high-strength sutures subjected to cyclic loading. Type III tibial eminence fractures were created in 49 ovine knees, and 7 different types of repairs were performed. Each repair group contained 7 specimens. The repair groups were as follows: No. 2 FiberWire (Arthrex, Naples, FL); No. 2 UltraBraid (Smith & Nephew); No. 2 MaxBraid (Arthrotek, Warsaw, IN); No. 2 Hi-Fi (ConMed Linvatec, Largo, FL); No. 2 OrthoCord (DePuy Mitek, Raynham, MA); Ti-Screw suture anchor (Arthrotek); and titanium EndoButton. These constructs were cyclically loaded (500 cycles, 0 to 100 N, 1 Hz) in the direction of the native ACL and loaded to failure (100 mm/min). Endpoints included ultimate failure load (in Newtons); pullout stiffness (in Newtons per millimeter); cyclic displacement (in millimeters) after 100 cycles, between 100 and 500 cycles, and after 500 cycles; and mode of failure. Bone density testing was performed in all knees. Bone density was not different among the groups. The EndoButton group had a higher ultimate failure load than the FiberWire, UltraBraid, Hi-Fi, and suture anchor groups (P < .05). The MaxBraid and OrthoCord groups had higher failure loads than the suture anchor group (P < .05). The MaxBraid group also had a higher failure load than the Hi-Fi group (P < .05). Stiffness was not statistically different for the various tested constructs. After 100 cycles, the EndoButton group had less displacement than the FiberWire, UltraBraid, MaxBraid, and Hi-Fi groups (P < .05). The suture anchor group had less displacement than the Hi-Fi and FiberWire groups (P < .05). The displacements of the different tested constructs between 100 and 500 cycles and total displacements after 500 cycles were not statistically different. The predominant failure mode was suture rupture. Under cyclic loading conditions in an ovine model, EndoButton fixation of tibial eminence fractures provided greater initial fixation strength than suture anchor fixation or fixation with various high-strength sutures except for OrthoCord. During initial cyclic loading of ACL tibial eminence fractures, the strength of the repair construct should be taken into consideration because conventional suture repair even with ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene sutures may not provide enough strength.

Biomechanical stability of different suture fixation techniques for tibial eminence fractures

Displaced tibial eminence fractures require surgical fixation in order to obtain a stable knee joint. Suture fixation with FiberWire(®) seems to be the most favorable therapeutic option. Biomechanical studies show failure of this technique most commonly due to a suture cutout with subsequent fracture of the tibial eminence fragment. The goal of this study is to compare the biomechanical properties of three different techniques of suture fixation using FiberWire(®). Bone mineral density was evaluated in 18 human knee specimens by pqCT, and three similar groups were formed. A standardized anterior tibial eminence fracture was created, and suture fixation was performed using one of three different techniques in 6 specimens each. Cyclic and destructive testing was conducted. Significant differences between the three techniques could be shown neither in the cycles needed to achieve a steady state nor in a failure load or initial stiffness. Almost all specimens failed by suture cutout. The presented modification of the existing technique for suture fixation of tibial eminence fractures did not lead to an increased initial stability nor did it lower the rate of suture cutout. All tested suture techniques showed comparable initial stiffness and failure load.

Biomechanical Evaluation of Tibial Eminence Fractures Using Suture Fixation

This study evaluates the initial fixation strength of tibial eminence fracture repair using 1, 2, 3, and 4 sutures to determine the optimal number of sutures required to adequately secure the avulsed fragment to the tibia. Sixteen skeletally immature porcine knees were stripped of all soft tissues, isolating the femur-anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-tibia complex. Type III tibial eminence fractures were simulated in the specimens, and each specimen was randomly assigned to a repair group using 1, 2, 3, or 4 #2 FiberWire sutures (Arthrex, Inc, Naples, Florida). Initial fixation strength of the repair was measured by single cycle pull to failure testing using a materials testing machine (Instron, Norwood, Massachusetts). The mean ultimate failure force during anterior tibial translation was 389±128, 627±66, 703±77, and 802±29 N for 1, 2, 3, and 4 sutures, respectively. The lower limit of the 95% confidence interval was >500 N (estimated force of native ACL during activities of daily living) for each group with ≥2 sutures. In this study, at least 2 high-strength sutures were needed for tibial eminence fracture repairs to withstand potential forces seen across the ACL in the postoperative period. Suture fixation of tibial eminence fractures is a reproducible method requiring a minimum of 2 high-strength polyester sutures to resist forces seen during early rehabilitation.

Tension band wire fixation for anterior cruciate ligament avulsion fracture: biomechanical comparison of four fixation techniques

The purpose of this study is to design a new fixation method to treat tibial eminence fractures and assess its stability compared with conventional fixation methods. Eighty fresh porcine knees were stripped of all soft tissue, leaving intact only the femur-anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-tibia complex. A standardized type III fracture was simulated at the anterior cruciate ligament attachment region using an osteotome. Then, the 80 specimens were randomly divided into 4 groups consisting of 20 knees each. The bony fragments were, respectively, fixed with sutures, steel wire, screws, and the newly designed tension band wire. All specimens were subsequently tested on a Material Testing Machine at a load rate of 60 mm/min. The statistically significant difference between the methods in terms of ultimate failure load, yield load, and displacement of the fragment under single-cycle loading and cyclic loading were analysed. Steel wire encircling K-wire fixation showed significantly higher maximum loads, yield loads, and less displacement than all the other fixation methods tested. Specimens fixed with steel wire had the second highest maximal load followed by fixation with the cannulated screw. The lowest maximal load was observed in the group using PDS II suture. The ultimate strength of tension band wire fixation of tibial eminence fractures in these specimens was significantly greater than those of the other three fixation methods. Tension band wire fixation of eminence fractures appears to provide biomechanical advantages over the other three fixation methods; hence, it is a practical alternative to conventional fixation techniques.

Arthrofibrosis after Surgical Fixation of Tibial Eminence Fractures in Children and Adolescents

Background Tibial eminence fractures are rare injuries in children and adolescents. Displaced fractures require reduction and fixation. Operative stabilization can be accomplished with either open or arthroscopic reduction and fixation. Whereas loss of extension has been reported, there are no reports in the literature that quantify loss of motion or provide guidance for treatment. Purpose To report a series of patients who developed knee stiffness after operative treatment for displaced tibial eminence fractures. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Review of medical records and imaging studies of pediatric patients with displaced tibial eminence fractures who developed arthrofibrosis after surgical intervention. Results Thirty-two patients were identified. Twenty-four required reoperation for loss of flexion (n = 9), loss of extension (n = 4), or both (n = 11). Manipulation under anesthesia resulted in distal femoral fractures and subsequent growth arrest in 3 patients. Twenty-nine patients were able to achieve near full knee motion at final follow-up. Conclusions Children with tibial spine fractures are at risk for arthrofibrosis. Stabilization of the fracture is important to allow early postoperative rehabilitation. Should stiffness occur, manipulation of the knee should be performed only in conjunction with lysis of adhesions.

Biomechanical Evaluation of Different Fixation Methods for Tibial Eminence Fractures

Background Tibial eminence fractures have become more common, but the best method of fixing these fractures arthroscopically has not been elucidated. Objective The objective of this study is to assess the stability of different fixation methods for tibial eminence fractures. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods The authors evaluated the initial fixation strength of 4 different fixation techniques for tibial eminence fractures (2 screws, 1 screw, suture fixation with 1 mm Ethibond, and suture fixation with No. 5 FiberWire) using single cycle and cyclic loading tests. The tests were performed by loading the knee with an anterior tibial shear force. Results Suture cerclage with the FiberWire showed significantly higher maximum load (599.6 N) and stiffness (36.99 N/mm) than all other fixation methods tested. The lowest maximum load in the single cycle loading test was observed in the group with 2 screws (1 screw, 371.2 N; 2 screws, 249.8 N). The lowest stiffness was found in the Ethibond group (14.5 N/mm). After 1000 cycles of loading, the maximum load of the FiberWire fixation was significantly higher than the maximum load of the Ethibond fixation (399.4 N), the fixation with 1 screw (354.2 N), and the fixation with 2 screws (301.5 N). Conclusion These biomechanical data suggest that under cyclic loading conditions, suture fixation of tibial eminence fractures provides more fixation strength than screw fixation. Clinical Relevance A second screw has no positive effect on the biomechanical characteristics of screw fixation.

Suture Versus Screw Fixation of Displaced Tibial Eminence Fractures: A Biomechanical Comparison

Classification and treatment of tibial eminence fractures are determined by the degree of fragment displacement. A variety of surgical procedures have been proposed to stabilize displaced fractures using both open and arthroscopic techniques. Two common fixation techniques involve use of cannulated screws and sutures tied over an anterior tibial bone bridge. We are unaware of any biomechanical studies that have compared the strength of various techniques of fixation. Biomechanical study in a cadaveric model. Seven matched pairs of fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees were stripped of all soft tissue except the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Simulated type III tibial eminence fractures were created using an osteotome. Fragments of each matched pair were randomized to fixation with either a single 4-mm cannulated cancellous screw with a washer or an arthroscopic suture technique using 3 No. 2 Fiberwire sutures (Arthrex, Naples, FL) passed through the tibial base of the ACL and tied over bone tunnels on the anterior tibial cortex. Specimens were then loaded with a constant load rate of 20 mm/min, and load-deformation curves were generated. The ultimate strength and stiffness were computed for each curve. The failure mode for each test was observed. A paired 2-tailed t test was used to determine the statistically significant difference between the two methods. Specimens fixed with Fiberwire had a mean ultimate strength of 319 N with a standard deviation of 125 N. Those fixed with cannulated screws had a mean ultimate strength of 125 N with a standard deviation of 74 N. This difference was statistically significant (P = .0038). There was no significant difference between the mean stiffness of Fiberwire constructs (63 N; SD, 50 N) and the mean stiffness of the cannulated screw constructs (20 N; SD, 32 N). The failure modes of the Fiberwire constructs included 1 ACL failure, 3 failures of suture cutting through the anterior tibial cortex, and 3 of suture cutting through the tibial eminence fragment. The single mode of failure for the cannulated screw constructs was screw pullout of cancellous bone. The initial ultimate strength of Fiberwire fixation of tibial eminence fractures in these specimens was significantly stronger than that of cannulated screw fixation. It appears that Fiberwire fixation of eminence fractures provides biomechanical advantages over cannulated screw fixation and may influence the type of treatment one chooses for patients with tibial eminence fractures.

An arthroscopic technique for the reduction and fixation of tibial-eminence fractures.

A technique of arthroscopic reduction and fixation of type III tibial-eminence fractures is described. After reduction of the fracture, polyglactin (Vicryl) suture was passed into the knee with the use of the arthroscope to fix the fracture. Early mobilization of the patients was begun after 2 weeks. Two patients (aged 10 and 13 years old), with 2 years follow-up after treatment of their fracture with this technique, had full range of motion of the knee with no sign of instability. Arthroscopic reduction and fixation of type III tibial-eminence fractures is a technique that can reduce hospital stay, rehabilitation, and the morbidity associated with the use of an arthrotomy for treatment.

An Arthroscopic Technique for the Reduction and Fixation of Tibial-Eminence Fractures

An Arthroscopic Technique for the Reduction and Fixation of Tibial-Eminence Fractures