Tibial Intercondylar Eminence Research Articles

The Arthroscopic Three-Point Fixation for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Avulsion Fracture: Surgical Technique

Several arthroscopic repairs and fixation for tibial intercondylar eminence fracture have been developed for restoring anterior cruciate ligament function. Repairing the avulsion fragment with multiple-point fixation provides some benefits over a single-point fixation. It provides multidirectional force control, especially on the posterior part of the fragment, and produces area of compression. We propose a 3-point fixation technique for providing proper reduction and compression in large fragment anterior cruciate ligament avulsion fracture. This includes using hybrid intra-articular and tunnel pull-out suture fixation to provide good posterior reduction and fixation. The number of tunnels is decreased by using a suture anchor.

Poster 246: Epidemiology of Tibial Spine Fractures in Children: A National Multicenter Study

Objectives: Tibial spine fractures (TSFs) are avulsion fractures at the insertion of the anterior cruciate ligament at the tibial intercondylar eminence. TSFs are rare injuries thought to occur most frequently in skeletally immature children aged 8 to 14 years. Historically, it was thought that the most common mechanism was falling off of bicycles, but recent research suggests a variety of additional mechanisms. Treatment for TSFs can be operative or nonoperative depending on fracture type/severity, concomitant injuries, and surgeon and patient/family preference. Estimates of the epidemiology of this patient population are limited to primarily single-center reports. The objective of this investigation was to characterize epidemiology, including demographic information, injury mechanism, fracture type, and selection of surgical or nonsurgical treatment, in this injury population across eight geographically distinct institutions using retrospective data. Methods: IRB and reliance approval was obtained for each participating hospital. Patients younger than 25 years treated for TSFs between January 1, 2000 and January 31, 2019 were included. Patients with multiple lower extremity fractures or other traumatic injuries were excluded. Data was collected regarding demographics, mechanisms of injury, imaging reports, treatment, and concomitant injuries. Data were presented as medians and interquartile ranges. Categorical data was presented as counts and percentages and was stratified by sex and/or Meyers and McKeever fracture type. Results: 661 patients met inclusion criteria. Median age at presentation was 12.2 years (IQR 9.7-14.1), with a higher prevalence in boys than girls (66.1%, 437/661). Diagnosis at a study center occurred at a median of 4.0 days (IQR 1.0-9.0 days) after injury. Of these patients, 71.6% (432/603) had first been seen elsewhere, most commonly by emergency department physicians (40.7%, 176/432). The most commonly reported injury mechanisms were contact (44.4%, 244/549) and twisting, non-contact (42.8%, 235/549), with hyperextension injuries representing a much smaller proportion at 3.6%. Injuries occurred most frequently during sports at 56.8% (355/625), which were primarily skiing (127/352, 36.1%) and football (97/352, 27.6%). Distal femur and proximal tibia growth plate status were classified as open in 67.1% and 72.6% of cases, respectively. Both growth plates were classified as closed in only 5.8% of cases. Meyers and McKeever fracture type was most commonly Type II (40.4%) or Type III (44.4%). Treatment was surgical in 83.3% (549/659) of cases, and of these, most were treated arthroscopically (ARIF) (470/549, 86.1%). Conclusions: This study represents, to our knowledge, the largest epidemiological report to date of pediatric patients with tibial spine fractures. TSFs were more common in males than females (66.1% male), and the median age at injury was 12.2 years, which falls within the commonly reported range of 8-14 years. Furthermore, only 5.8% of patients had closed regional physes, corroborating the theory that TSFs are more likely to occur in skeletally immature individuals. We believe the data presented in this study can be useful towards patient counselling by providing a comprehensive view of the common presentations of and treatment pathways for tibial spine fractures in the pediatric population. [Table: see text] [Table: see text][Table: see text]

Knee laxity after anterior tibial eminence fracture in children: A 35-case series

IntroductionAnterior tibial eminence (ATE) fractures are characterized by avulsion of the anterior cruciate ligament insertion. The aim of our study was to evaluate the long-term incidence of laxity and instability in the aftermath of these fractures. The secondary objective was to identify factors for instability. HypothesisATE fracture in children is responsible for laxity and instability in the medium and long term. Material and methodsThis retrospective, single-center study included 35 isolated fractures of the tibial intercondylar eminence during skeletal growth between January 2006 and January 2020. Analysis comprised demographics, laxity measured by GNRB™, range of motion and IKDC and Lysholm scores. Clinical reassessment was performed in 24 patients, the other 11 being interviewed by telephone. ResultsMean laxity on GNRB™ was 1.46mm, and 3 patients had>3mm differential with respect to the healthy knee. Mean IKDC score was 92.2 and mean Lysholm score 93.1. Four patients showed instability, 2 of whom required surgical management. There was no significant difference in occurrence of laxity according to fracture type or reduction quality. Mean follow-up was 5.9years (range, 1.1–14.8). DiscussionOur clinical and functional results were in accordance with the literature. The long-term clinical results were satisfactory. ATE fractures require long-term follow-up to screen for instability and laxity on GNRB™. Level of evidenceIV, retrospective study.

The most economical arthroscopic suture fixation for tibial intercondylar eminence avulsion fracture without any implant

BackgroundAvulsion fracture of the tibial intercondylar eminence is a rare injury, which mainly occurs in adolescents aged 8–14 years and in those with immature bones. The current commonly used surgery may result in severe surgical trauma, affecting knee joint function and accompanied by serious complications. In this study, we described an all-inside and all-epiphyseal arthroscopic suture fixation technique for a patient to treat tibial intercondylar eminence fracture.MethodsETHIBOND EXCEL-coated braided polyester sutures were used for fixation. Three ETHIBOND sutures were passed through the ACL at 2, 6 and 10 o’clock of the footprint of the ACL and made a cinch-knot loop separately. Under the guidance of ACL tibial locator, three corresponding tibial tunnels were drilled with K-wires at 2, 6 and 10 o’clock of the fracture bed, and the two ends of the suture were pulled out through the tunnel with double-folded steel wire heads. After reduction of the tibial eminence, three sutures were tightened and tied to the medial aspect of the tibial tubercle.ResultsAfter all the surgical treatments surgically performed by this method and following a standard postoperative protocol, our patient's ROM, stability, and functional structural scores all improved significantly.ConclusionThis three-point suture technique provides a suitable reduction and stable fixation and is suitable for patients with all types of avulsion fractures of the tibial intercondylar eminence.

Clinical outcomes of arthroscopic single-tunnel double-line technique in treating tibial intercondylar eminence fractures

To evaluate clinical efficacy of single-tunnel double-line technique with tendoscopy in treating tibial intercondylar eminence fractures. From January 2016 to April 2020, 22 patients with tibial intercondylar eminence fractures were admitted, including 14 males and 8 females with a mean age of (34.8±5.9) years old ranging from 26 to 45 years old. The mean duration from injury to surgery was(11.2±4.1) days(ranged, 5 to15 d). All patients were treated with arthroscopic single-tunnel double-line technique. The fracture healing was evaluated according to X-ray. The Lysholm score, IKDC 2000 score and the anterior drawer test were used to evaluate efficacy before operation and at the latest follow-up. All patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 12 to 75 months, with an average of(34.6±13.0) months. Lysholm score was (89.60±2.89) points at the latest follow-up, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score which was (30.80±9.55)points(t=9.67, P<0.01). IKDC 2000 score was(80.00±6.17) points at the latest follow-up, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score which was(24.60±7.21)points(t=11.41, P<0.01). One patient showed weakly positive of drauer test. Single-channel double-line technique could effectively fix bone block of intercondylar eminence with advantage of easy operation and minimally invasive, which could be applied to various types of tibial intercondylar eminence fractures.

Surgical treatment for a combined anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fracture: A case report

BACKGROUNDIndependent avulsion fractures with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) attachment are relatively common among tibial intercondylar eminence fractures, and their postoperative outcomes are generally favorable. Conversely, huge avulsion fractures of the intercondylar eminence containing the attachment site of both the ACL and the PCL are extremely rare, and the reported clinical outcomes are poor.CASE SUMMARYWe describe a 30-year-old Japanese male's huge avulsion fracture of the intercondylar eminence of a tibia containing the attachment site of both the ACL and PCL, together with a complete tear of the medial collateral ligament and a partial tear of both the medial and lateral menisci caused by a fall from a high place. All of these injuries were treated surgically, with anatomical reduction and stable fixation. The limb function at 1 year post-surgery was excellent (Lysholm score: 100 points).CONCLUSIONAlthough this patient's complete surgical repair was complex, it should be performed in similar cases for an excellent final clinical outcome.

Arthroscopic suture-fixation of anterior tibial intercondylar eminence fractures by retensioning of the ACL and hollowing of the tibial footprint: Objective and subjective clinical results in a paediatric population

IntroductionAnterior tibial intercondylar eminence fractures (ATIEF) of the knee are rare in children. They are associated with prefracture intraligamental distention of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the subjective and objective clinical results of an arthroscopic surgical technique by suture-fixation of the fracture and tensioning of the ACL through hollowing of the tibial footprint. HypothesisSuture-tensioning of ATIEF arthroscopically helps to achieve treatment objectives by leaving the knee joint free of any hardware. Materials and methodsThis single-operator monocentric retrospective study involved twenty children operated on over a period of 2-years and 10 months, from March 2013, and with a minimum of one-year follow-up. Surgery was indicated for Stage II to IV fractures according to the Meyers and McKeever classification. Type I fractures were excluded. Seventeen out of 20 patients were reviewed. The median age was 12 years at the time of surgery and the mean follow-up was 28 months. The fractures were 5 of stage II, 9 of III and 3 of IV. The scores of Lysholm, objective and subjective IKDC were collected. Residual objective laxity was measured using the GNRB arthrometer at 150N. A standard X-ray evaluation permitted detection of possible growth disorders. ResultsAt 28 months of mean follow-up, the mean scores of Lysholm and subjective IKDC were 99 (95; 100) and 97 (92; 100), respectively. As for the objective IKDC, 14 knees were rated A and 3 were rated B. The mean differential residual laxity via GNRB was 0.94mm (0; 2.4). No radiological growth disorder was observed at the last follow-up. ConclusionThe ACL suture-tensioning technique is simple and reliable. It also preserves the joint of the adult to remain free of any residual hardware. Level of evidenceIV; retrospective cohort study.

K-Space Data Reconstruction Algorithm-Based MRI Diagnosis and Influencing Factors of Knee Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury.

This study was aimed at investigating the diagnostic value of MRI based on K-space data reconstruction algorithm for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury of knee joint and the influencing factors of ligament injury. 96 patients with ACL injury of knee joint were selected, and they were randomly divided into two groups: group A (arthroscopy) and group B (MRI examination), and another 96 healthy volunteers in the same period were selected as the control group. The test results of each indicator were compared. The results showed that the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of SMASH algorithm was higher than that of sum of squares (SOS) algorithm. In group A, there were 66 positive and 30 negative tests, and in group B, there were 56 positive and 40 negative tests (P < 0.05). The intercondylar fossa width, the intercondylar fossa width index, and the ratio of tibial intercondylar eminence width to intercondylar fossa width in group B were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the traditional SOS algorithm, SMASH algorithm can improve the image quality, reduce the impact of damage data on the final synthesis image, and improve the image SNR. In clinical work, the ratio of the width of tibial intercondylar eminence to the width of femoral intercondylar fossa can be measured by imaging data to evaluate the matching between tibial intercondylar eminence and femoral intercondylar fossa, so as to evaluate the risk of ACL rupture.

Lateral tibial intercondylar eminence is a reliable reference for alignment correction in high tibial osteotomy.

The purpose of the study is to determine whether the lateral tibial intercondylar eminence (LTIE) is a reliable reference for alignment correction in high tibial osteotomy (HTO). A total of 1954 consecutive standing whole-leg radiography (WLR) examinations of 1373 adult patients with knee osteoarthritis between 2012 and 2019 were reviewed retrospectively; 145 patients were included, 53 males and 92 females, with a mean age of 63.3years. Virtual simulation of HTO was performed to measure weight-bearing line (WBL) percentages and hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angles when the WBL passed through the Fujisawa, top, bottom, upper 1/3, and middle points of the lateral slope of the LTIE, and the positional relationship between the Fujisawa point and the lateral slope of the LTIE was determined. When the WBL passed through the top, bottom, upper 1/3, and middle points of the lateral slope of the LTIE, the mean WBL percentages were 57.7% ± 2.1%, 74.6% ± 3.3%, 63.4% ± 2.1%, and 66.2% ± 2.3%, respectively, and the mean HKA angles were 182.1° ± 0.5°, 185.9° ± 0.8°, 183.3° ± 0.5°, and 184.0° ± 0.5°, respectively. When the WBL passed through the Fujisawa point, it was passing through 28.6% ± 12.7% of the width of the lateral slope (the top and bottom points were defined as 0% and 100%, respectively). When the WBL passed through the middle and upper 1/3 points of the lateral slope of the LTIE, the majority of cases (96.1%-100%) were within the limits of acceptability, as defined by the widely accepted standard of a postoperative HKA angle ranging from 183° to 186°. The upper 1/3 and middle points of the lateral slope of the LTIE are reliable references for guiding the alignment correction in HTO. In clinical application, if 62%-66% of the postoperative WBL percentage is the acceptable target range, the upper 1/3 point of the lateral slope of the LTIE may be a better alternative than the midpoint. If the postoperative HKA angle between 183° and 186° is acceptable, the midpoint of the lateral slope of the LTIE may be better than the upper 1/3 point. These findings are crucial for the accuracy of the traditional intraoperative alignment assessment techniques. IV.

Anatomical fixation of tibial intercondylar eminence fractures in children using a threaded pin with an adjustable lock

IntroductionTibial intercondylar eminence fractures are a rare pathology causing anterior laxity of the knee, which requires anatomical reduction and a stable osteosynthesis. The aim of this study was to present the clinical results of reinsertion in anatomical position of these fractures, in the paediatric population, using a threaded pin with an adjustable lock. HypothesisOur hypothesis was that the clinical results would be satisfactory and comparable to the literature. MethodThis retrospective, monocentric study involved 34 consecutive patients with tibial intercondylar eminence fractures, divided into 55.9% with type 2, 35.2% with type 3, 8.8% with type 4 according to Meyers & McKeever, operated on between March 1999 and March 2018. Assessments were performed at a minimum follow-up of 1-year and included the Lysholm, subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Tegner activity scores, and the measurement of anterior knee laxity by the KT1000. ResultsAt the average follow-up of 8.8 years, 7 patients were lost to follow-up, 2 required anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Pathological residual laxity was present in 25% of cases and instability in 16%. The average Lysholm score was 93.1±9.8, the average subjective IKDC was 93.8±6.4 and the average Tegner score was 5.6±1.5. The average anterior laxity of the knee was 0.7±2.0mm. ConclusionThe anatomical reinsertion using a threaded pin with an adjustable lock for tibial intercondylar eminence fractures in a paediatric population provides good functional results and is comparable to the data in the literature. Level of evidenceIV; retrospective.

Arthroscopically Assisted Cannulated Screw Fixation for Treating Type III Tibial Intercondylar Eminence Fractures: A Short-Term Retrospective Controlled Study.

Background: This study presents the clinical results from 22 children who underwent minimally invasive arthroscopically assisted screw fixation for the treatment of intercondylar eminence fractures.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 22 children (aged 7.5 to 13.5 years) with type III tibial intercondylar eminence fractures who were treated in our department from March 2007 to September 2019. According to the type of operation, the patients were divided into two groups: group A (n = 12) received arthroscopically assisted cannulated screw fixation, and group B (n = 10) received open reduction and cannulated screw internal fixation. Radiography scans, Lysholm scores, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) 2,000 subjective scores, Tegner scores, range of motion (ROM) of the knee, the anterior drawer test (ADT), the Lachman test, and the pivot-shift test were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy.Results: All 22 children were evaluated over a 12 to 58 month follow-up period (mean: 27.5 months). At the final exam, group A was significantly superior to group B in Lysholm scores (93.33 ± 3.55 vs. 86.20 ± 4.52), IKDC scores (92.06 ± 3.55 vs. 86.07 ± 5.81), and Tegner scores (7.75 ± 0.87 vs. 6.40 ± 0.52) and presented shorter operative times (25.42 ± 3.97 vs. 35.00 ± 5.27). The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). All the incisions healed primarily. No complications, such as fracture fragment displacement, delayed epiphyseal growth, or knee joint dysfunction, were observed. The drawer test, Lachman test, and pivot-shift test were negative for all patients.Conclusions: Arthroscopically assisted cannulated screw fixation is effective and safe for the treatment of tibial intercondylar eminence fractures, providing excellent stability and quick recovery of joint function.

Satisfactory outcome following arthroscopic fixation of tibial intercondylar eminence fractures in children and adolescents using bioabsorbable nails.

Tibial intercondylar eminence fracture is a rare fracture and is commonly treated with suture, screw or bio-absorbable nail. Current literature includes little information regarding outcome of surgically treatment with bio-absorbable nails. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical and functional outcomes in patients with tibial intercondylar eminence fractures arthroscopically treated with bio-absorbable nails. The study design was retrospective follow-up. Sixteen patients, age 11-16years, were surgically treated with bio-absorbable nail following an intercondylar eminence fracture. Thirteen patients participate in the present follow-up study. The median follow-up time was 6.5years. The main outcome measurement was the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Secondary outcome measurements consisted of: Eq5d-5L questionnaire, knee pain, knee laxity, range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, gait analyses, radiological outcomes, activity and level. The median KOOS scores for the five subscales were: pain 98.5 (19-100), symptoms 90.5 (54-100), ADL 100 (22-100), sport 87.5, (0-100) and QOL 88.0 (13-100), indication satisfactory outcome. Low level of gait asymmetry was observed. Almost balanced muscle strength between the injured and non-injured leg for knee extension and knee flexion strength was observed. Measurement of anterior knee laxity showed 12 patients with a knee laxity between -1 and 2mm. The examination of intercondylar eminence displacement at the time of follow-up showed that 12 patients had a displacement of 2mm or less. This case series demonstrates satisfactory patient-reported and functional outcomes in the treatment of intercondylar eminence fractures in children and adolescents with bio-absorbable nails.

Preliminary clinical outcomes of the double-row anchor suture-bridge technique for the fixation of tibial intercondylar eminence fractures in adults: a 12-months minimal follow-up

BackgroundTibial intercondylar eminence avulsion fractures occur primarily in adolescents and young adults. However, the incidence of such fractures is increasing in adults, concurrent with an increase in sports injuries and traffic accidents. This study describes the fixation-based double-row anchor suture-bridge technique, a novel technique for treating tibial intercondylar eminence fractures in adults; and evaluates its preliminary clinical outcomes.MethodsA retrospective evaluation of adult patients with tibial intercondylar eminence fractures treated at our institution from June 2016 to June 2018 was conducted. Seven such patients, treated with the anchor suture-bridge technique, were included. All patients were assessed for knee joint range of motion (ROM), Lysholm knee score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Evaluation Form score, Tegner activity score pre-surgery, and the healing of the fracture at 3, 6 and 12 months minimal post-surgery follow-up.ResultsPatients were followed for a mean of 12.43 months (range 9-15 months). By the final follow-up, all fractures had fully healed. The mean Lysholm score improved from 27.86 (range, 2 to 54) pre-surgery to 88.14 (range, 81 to 100) 3 months post-surgery (p < 0.05). Similarly, the mean IKDC score improved from 48.86 (range, 43 to 55) to 84.29 (range, 75 to 90) (P < 0.05); and the mean Tegner activity score improved from 1.71 (range, 0 to 4) to 3.29 (range, 2 to 4) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, knee joint ROM, Lysholm scores, IKDC scores, and Tegner activity scores displayed excellent outcomes at the 6 and 12 months minimal follow-up.ConclusionThe arthroscopic anchor suture-bridge technique is a valid and secure method for achieving effective fixation of tibial intercondylar eminence fractures in adults.

Arthroscopic treatment of adult displaced tibial eminence fractures with anchor and pushlock fixation

Arthroscopic techniques are considered the gold standard for treatment of displaced avulsion fractures of the anterior cruciate ligament. However, most arthroscopic surgical techniques and fixation methods are technically demanding and require removal of hard implant. This report describes a new, easy, safe, and all-arthroscopic method for reduction and fixation of displaced tibial intercondylar eminence fractures by using 1 anchor and 1 Pushlock.From January 2015 to June 2017, 8 adult patients with type II and III displaced tibial intercondylar eminence fractures were operated using this technique. Clinical assessment included patient demographics, cause of injury, delay before surgery, operation time, time to return to work and sport, International Knee Documentation Committee scores, and Lysholm knee scores.The average operation time was 48 minutes. The average follow-up period was 12.5 months. At the 6-month follow-up, all patients had acquired fracture union and complete functional recovery and were able to return to work. International Knee Documentation Committee objective scores and Lysholm knee scores were 92.4 (range 88–94) and 93.6 (range 90–96), respectively. At the last follow-up, anterior drawer, Lachman's test, and pivot shift tests were negative, and all patients had returned to their preinjury activity levels.Arthroscopic fixation by use of 1 anchor and 1 Pushlock is an easy, safe, and minimally invasive technique for treatment of displaced tibial intercondylar eminence fractures and does not require further surgery to remove fixation devices.Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series

Suturing the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Using a No. 16 Intravenous Catheter Needle in Avulsion Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Avulsion anterior cruciate ligament injuries are more common in pediatric patients. There are several methods of fixation available for these injuries (tibial intercondylar eminence fractures), such as the pullout suture technique, screw fixation, and suture anchor fixation. Currently, a pullout technique is widely used for fixation. We purpose a pullout technique method using a modified No. 16 intravenous catheter needle to suture the anterior cruciate ligament fiber instead of a suture hook or suture passer. We also use one anterior tibial tunnel for this arthroscopic pullout fixation technique to decrease the incidence of physeal injury in pediatric patients by using many tibial tunnels.

Open tibia plateau fracture with intra-osseous dislocation of the patella and quadriceps tendon rupture: a case report

BackgroundBoth tibial plateau fractures and extensor apparatus injuries are serious injuries to the knee joint that generally do not occur in the same patient. We report a rare case of open tibial plateau fracture combined with quadriceps tendon rupture and complete displacement of the patella into the tibial plateau fracture.Case presentationThe case involved a male who was 19 years old who had been in a motorcycle accident. The patient was admitted to our department with an open tibial plateau fracture 3 h post-injury. X-ray showed a tibial plateau fracture and complete displacement of the patella into the tibial plateau. CT showed an avulsion fracture in the patella and tibial intercondylar eminence. Concomitant quadriceps tendon injury and both anterior and posterior cruciate ligament tibial insertion avulsion fractures were considered. The operative findings of emergency surgery confirmed our preoperative diagnosis. Single-stage quadriceps tendon repair and ORIF for the tibial plateau fracture were performed. Satisfactory restoration of function was acquired at the last follow up.ConclusionThe most difficult aspect of this case was the determination of the cause of the intra-osseous dislocation of the patella into the tibial plateau. The most likely mechanism of the injury may be that the patient experienced transient posterior dislocation of the knee during the injury. Rupture of the quadriceps tendon should be considered with posterior dislocation of the knee, and the patella was pushed into the tibial plateau fracture by force after the rupture of the quadriceps tendon.

Comparison of notch width indexes between tibial intercondylar eminence avulsion fracture and anterior cruciate ligament injury

Objective To find out if there is any difference in intercondylar fossa width and notch width index (NWI) between tibial intercondylar eminence avulsion fracture and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Methods A retrospective study was conducted of the patients who had sought medical attention at Department of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Drum Tower Hospital from June 2014 to May 2018. There were 10 patients with tibial intercondylar eminence avulsion fracture (4 males and 6 females with an average age of 32.7±9.2 years), 13 patients with ACL injury (8 males and 5 females with an average age of 31.8±10.9 years) and 22 patients with simple meniscus injury as controls (13 males and 9 females with an average age of 30.9±10.6 years). They all had MRI examination of the knee before surgery. The width of intercondylar fossa and the width and height of bilateral femoral condyles were measured on high resolution images of MRI axial view. NWI was calculated. The 3 groups were compared in intercondylar fossa width and NWI. Results The 3 groups of patients were comparable because there were no significant differences in gender, age, height, weight or BMI between them (P>0.05). The intercondylar fossa width in the ACL injury group (17.4±3.5 mm) was significantly smaller than that in the avulsion fracture group (20.8±1.1 mm) or in the control group (20.2±2.6 mm) (P 0.05). NWI in the avulsion fracture group (0.301±0.011) was similar to that in the control group (0.280±0.039) (P>0.05) but significantly higher than that in the ACL injury group (0.25±0.05) (P<0.05). NWI in the ACL injury group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions Intercondylar notch stenosis may be a risk factor for ACL injury but may not be associated with tibial intercondylar eminence avulsion fracture. The difference in pathogenesis between tibial intercondylar eminence avulsion fracture and ACL injury may be associated with their difference in NWI. Key words: Knee joint; Anterior cruciate ligament; Magnetic resonance imaging; Tibial intercondylar eminence avulsion fracture; Notch width index

Arthroscopic treatment of type III tibial intercondylar imminence avulsion fracture with pullout sutures in skeletally immature patients

Study design This was a retrospective study. Objective of the study The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation of type III tibial intercondylar imminence avulsion fracture by pullout nonabsorbable suture technique in skeletally immature patients. Background Tibial intercondylar eminence fracture is an intraarticular avulsion fracture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insertion. Traditionally, they can be seen between 8 and 14 years of age, and they are rare among those under the age of 8 years. The reported incidence is three per 100 000 children each year. The best functioning results are obtained after arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation by pullout sutures technique. Patients and methods Between March 2010 and March 2012, we received 14 patients referred from the emergency department. There were 10 males and four female patients. The right knee was involved in nine cases and the left knee in five cases. The median age of the patients was 14 years (13–15 years). The time between injury and surgery was 6 days (4–12 days). The inclusion criteria were displaced tibial eminence fractures (type III) in skeletally immature patients. Tibial eminence fractures were defined according to the classification of Meyers and McKeever modified by Zaricznyj. An arthroscopic standard anterolateral portal, an anteromedial portal, and a viewing accessory high anterolateral portal were utilized. The fracture bed is cleared of debris and the fracture fragment is reduced. The ACL tibial guide is utilized to drill two 5-mm tunnels on both sides of the fracture fragment to the upper anteromedial tibia. Two no. 5 Ethibond sutures were passed through the ACL substance close to the bone fragment by suture passing instrument. The sutures were the tied at the anteromedial tibia. Results The median follow-up was 24 months. The mean IKDC score was 91 (range, 87–100). The IKDC grades were A (normal) in 10 (72%) patients and B (nearly normal) in four (28%) patients. The mean preinjury Tegner score was 5 (range, 3–7), and at follow-up evaluation, the mean Tegner score was 4 (range, 3–6). The mean preoperative Lysholm score was 42 (range, 32–56); the mean postoperative Lysholm score was 92 (range, 88–100). Conclusion Arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation of tibial imminence avulsion fracture by pullout nonabsorbable suture technique in skeletally immature patients is a safe and effective method to treat this lesion.

Management of a type two avulsion fracture of the tibial intercondylar eminence in children: arthroscopic suture fixation versus conservative immobilization+

Treatment of a type II tibial eminence avulsion fracture was controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of a modified arthroscopic suture fixation versus conservative immobilization in treatment of this type fracture in immature population. A total of 43 type II avulsion fractures of tibial intercondylar eminence in immature patients were retrospectively enrolled in the study. Twenty-two (13 males, 9 females) were treated with arthroscopic suture fixation and 21(12 males, 9 females) with conservative cast immobilization. Radiograph, Lachman test, anterior drawer test (ADT), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) 2000 subjective score, and Lysholm score were used to evaluate clinical outcomes in follow-up. All 43 paediatric or adolescent patients with a mean of 11.3years (range, 8-16years) were followed up for a median period of 34.5months (range, 24-46months). Radiographic evaluation showed optimal reduction immediately after surgery and bone union within three months. At the final follow-up, no limitation of knee motion range was found in any children. Grade II laxity was found in one case from surgical group and six from conservation group, showing significant difference based on ADT (χ2 = 7.927, P = 0.005) and Lachman tests (χ2 = 9.546, P = 0.002). IKDC and Lysholm scores were significantly improved; however, there were significant differences in the IKDC score (91.7 ± 4.34 vs. 84.7 ± 6.11, t = 4.35, P < 0.001) and Lysholm score (93.4 ± 4.04 vs. 87.1 ± 5.24, t = 4.53, P < 0.001), and the improvement of IKDC value (40.2 ± 7.83 vs. 31.4 ± 8.4, t= 3.57, P = 0.001) and Lysholm value (43.8 ± 6.55 vs. 35.4 ± 5.97, t = 4.36, P < 0.001) between the surgical group and the nonsurgical group. In treatment of type II tibial eminence avulsion fracture, a modified, 8 shape suture fixation under arthroscopy showed superior clinical outcomes than nonsurgical immobilization in term of restoring the laxity of paediatric ACL.

ARTHROSCOPIC FIXATION OF TIBIAL INTERCONDYLAR EMINENCE FRACTURE BY FIBER WIRE SUTURE AND U SCREWS IN ADOLESCENT ATHLETES

Objective: We aimed to present our experience on arthroscopic management of tibial intercondylar eminence fracture in adolescent athletes. Methods: This was a case series of 9 adolescents (7 males, 2 females) aged 10-16 years diagnosed with tibial intercondylar eminence fracture following a sports activity. According to Meyers and McKeever classification, 4 patients had Type IIIA, 3 had Type IIIB, and 2 patients had Type II fracture. Following percutaneous arthroscopic reduction, the fragments of the fracture were fixed internally and anterior cruciate ligament was reconstructed through two 2.4 mm parallel tunnels at the level of anterior tibia by using fiber wire suture and U screws. Anterior tibial displacement was measured by KT-1000 knee arthrometer, and Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale was used for the patient-reported outcomes. Results: The duration of operation was 31.6±8.9 min. The patients were followed up for 37.1±19.1 months. Theanterior tibial displacement relative to the femur was 1.4±0.7 mm. TheLysholm score was 95.8±3.1. None of the patients developed infection. The complete fracture healing was obtained in all patients. Conclusion: Arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation by fiber wire suture and U screws provide perfect anatomic and functional outcome for displaced Type II and Type III tibial intercondylar eminence fracture in adolescent athletes.