Tibial Spine Avulsion Fractures Research Articles

Comparison between Outcomes of Open and Arthroscopic Fixation of Tibial Spine Avulsion Fractures

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to compare the functional outcomes of fragment reduction and to measure the rate of postoperative complications between arthrotomy (ORIF) and arthroscopy(ARIF) pediatric tibial spine avulsion fractures using the Lysholm knee scoring system (limp, pain swelling, climbing stairs) and IKDC subjective knee evaluation form. METHODS: This Comparative Study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Jinnah Hospital Lahore, between 2021-2022. A total of 42 patients who had tibial spine avulsion fracture with follow-up of 6 months were included. Twenty-one patients were treated with ORIF, and 21 were treated with ARIF. Functional outcomes were assessed using the IKDC score and LYSHOLM score (Follow-up rate was 95 %). Radiographic findings of patients were recorded, and a statistical study was done. The level of significance was set at <0.05. RESULTS: The study revealed that out of 42 Participants, 36(85.71%) males and 6 (14.29 %) females participated in the survey with the age range of 8-16 years with a mean age of 12.02± (2.53) years. Out of 42 Participants, 22 (52.4%) had motor vehicle accidents with type 3(38.1%) and 4(54.8%) modified Meyers and Mckeever fracture classification. At the end of the follow-up period, the mean IKDC score was 90.52 + 1.50 (p = 0.00, CI = 95%). The Lysholm score was 90.676.11 compared to the last follow-up (p=0.20, CI = 95%). Compared to ORIF, only 5(11.9%) patients complained of post-op infection or vascular injury. CONCLUSION: This study observed better functional outcomes in arthroscopic reduction and immobilization than in open reduction internal fixation. Arthroscopy for TSAF decreases the risk of arthrofibrosis and minimizes morbidities and better management of symptoms. Compared to OIRF, ARIF showed good content validity for the IKDC and Lysholm scales.

Tibial Spine Avulsion Fracture Fixation Using a Re-tensionable All-Suture Construct

Tibial spine avulsion injuries, including fractures, are a variant of anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Treatment historically consisted of open reduction and internal fixation of the avulsion fracture, with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction considered in cases of failed open reduction and internal fixation or residual laxity. However, improved instrumentation has led to the advancement of various arthroscopic techniques for addressing these injuries. The emergence of newer implants designed for all-suture fixation has also overcome the limitations associated with screw fixation, such as hardware-related complications, challenges in treating comminuted fractures, and potential physeal injury. The purpose of this article is to describe a technique consisting of arthroscopic-assisted reduction and internal fixation of a tibial spine avulsion fracture with a re-tensionable all-suture–based construct using multiple looped cinch stitches and a cortical suspensory suture button device.

Tibial Spine Avulsion Fractures in Paediatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Surgical Management.

Tibial spine avulsion fractures (TSAFs) account for approximately 14% of anterior cruciate ligament injuries. This study aims to systematically review the current evidence for the operative management of paediatric TSAFs. A search was carried out across four databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Studies discussing the outcomes of the surgical management of paediatric TSAFs since 2000 were included. Of 38 studies included for review, 13 studies reported outcomes of TSAF patients undergoing screw fixation only, and 12 studies used suture fixation only. In total, 976 patients underwent arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (ARIF), and 203 patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The risk of arthrofibrosis with the use of ARIF (p = 0.45) and screws (p = 0.74) for TSAF repair was not significant. There was a significantly increased risk of knee instability (p < 0.0001), reoperation (p = 0.01), and post-operative pain (p = 0.007) with screw fixation compared to sutures. While the overall benefits of sutures over screws and ARIF over ORIF are unclear, there is clear preference for ARIF and suture fixation for TSAF repair in practice. We recommend large-scale comparative studies to delineate long-term outcomes for various TSAF fixation techniques.

Tibial Spine Avulsion Repair With FiberRing Suture and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair TightRope

Tibial spine avulsion fractures occur predominantly in children and young adults and are an uncommon type of knee injury. To ensure knee stability and preserve range of motion with minimal knee laxity, it is essential to restore anterior cruciate ligament length through surgical reduction and fixation of the fracture. Achieving anatomic reduction of tibial spine avulsion fractures with an arthroscopic approach is a technically complex procedure. In this Technical Note and accompanying video, we describe a unique fixation repair of tibial spine avulsion fractures using Arthrex FiberRing sutures and an Arthrex ACL Repair TightRope. The technique presented is an effective method to reduce tibial spine avulsion fractures to anatomic position with a variable tensioning system that allows for a strong and secure fixation method.

Arthroscopic Assisted Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tibial Spine Avulsion Reduction and Cortical Button Fixation

Tibial spine avulsion fractures, or tibial eminence fractures, are intra-articular knee injuries that affect the bony attachment of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). It is commonly seen in children and adolescents aged 8 to 15 years old and can be caused by noncontact pivot shift injuries or by traumatic hyperextension knee injuries, as seen in adult ACL patients. A thorough history and physical exam is important in these patients alongside proper imaging that will confirm the diagnosis of a tibial spine avulsion. Proper imaging may also demonstrate other associated conditions or injuries to the cartilage, meniscus, or ligamentous structures. Following diagnosis, treatment can be both nonoperative versus operative, depending upon the degree of displacement and reducibility of the fragment, as well as other concomitant injuries. For nondisplaced or minimally displaced, and reducible injuries, the patient can be immobilized in full extension for several weeks. For displaced fragments that are unable to be reduced by closed methods, open reduction internal fixation or arthroscopic fixation is recommended. In this Technical Note, we describe an arthroscopy-assisted reduction and internal fixation with suture tape through 2 transtibial tunnels with a cortical suture button fixation technique.

Management of Tibial Spine Avulsion Fractures by Open Reduction with Minimally Invasive Endo Button Fixation: A Functional Outcome Study

Management of Tibial Spine Avulsion Fractures by Open Reduction with Minimally Invasive Endo Button Fixation: A Functional Outcome Study

Long-term Outcomes of Tibial Spine Avulsion Fractures After Open Reduction With Osteosuturing Versus Arthroscopic Screw Fixation: A Multicenter Comparative Study

Background: More information is needed regarding return to preinjury sport levels and patient-reported outcomes after tibial spine avulsion (TSA) fracture, which is most common in children aged 8 to 12 years. Purpose: To analyze return to play/sport (RTP), subjective knee-specific recovery, and quality of life in patients after TSA fracture treated with open reduction with osteosuturing versus arthroscopic reduction with internal screw fixation. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This study included 61 patients &lt;16 years old with TSA fracture treated via open reduction with osteosuturing (n = 32) or arthroscopic reduction with screw fixation (n = 29) at 4 institutions between 2000 and 2018; all patients had at least 24 months of follow-up (mean ± SD, 87.0 ± 47.1 months; range, 24-189 months). The patients completed questionnaires regarding ability to return to preinjury-level sports, subjective knee-specific recovery, and health-related quality of life, and results were compared between treatment groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine variables associated with failure to return to preinjury level of sport. Results: The mean patient age was 11 years, with a slight male predominance (57%). Open reduction with osteosuturing was associated with a quicker RTP time than arthroscopy with screw implantation (median, 8.0 vs 21.0 weeks; P &lt; .001). Open reduction with osteosuturing was also associated with a lower risk of failure to RTP at preinjury level (adjusted odds ratio, 6.4; 95% CI, 1.1-36.0; P = .035). Postoperative displacement &gt;3 mm increased the risk of failure to RTP at preinjury level regardless of treatment group (adjusted odds ratio, 15.2; 95% CI, 1.2-194.9; P = .037). There was no difference in knee-specific recovery or quality of life between the treatment groups. Conclusion: Open surgery with osteosuturing was a more viable option for treating TSA fractures because it resulted in a quicker RTP time and a lower rate of failure to RTP as compared with arthroscopic screw fixation. Precise reduction contributed to improved RTP.

A prospective study of functional outcome of posterior tibial spine chip fractures treated with screw fixation

Aim: To study the functional outcome of posterior tibial spine fractures treated with threaded Cannulated cancellous Screw fixation. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study of Posterior Tibial Spine Avulsion fractures in the age group 15-60 years admitted in Government Medical College, Kota, during the period from August 2020 to December 2022. The cases were classified under Modified Meyers and Mckeever classification. Patients with associated vascular Injury and skeletally immature and age group more than 60 years were excluded. Through Burks and Schaffer approach, avulsion fractures of Posterior Tibial Spine were fixed with 4mm partially threaded Cannulated cancellous Screw. Discussion: In our study, the mean age group of the patient was 33 years with a male preponderance. Road traffic accidents and accidental fall were the commonest mode of injury and the mean operating time was 43.5 minutes. Post operatively the knee flexion was around 120 degrees in average. And 15 patients had excellent outcome with Lysholm knee scoring scale and 5 had good outcome with no patients with fair or poor outcome. Results: Open reduction and internal fixation of Posterior Tibial Spine avulsion fractures through Burks and Schaffer approach had yielded excellent results in our study. A displaced avulsion fracture of Posterior Cruciate Ligament with more than 10 mm posterior tibial translation should be reduced and fixed in order to stabilise the joint and to prevent non-union.

Tibial Spine Fracture in an Adolescent Male After Minor Injury: A Case Report.

A 13-year-old male presented with right knee pain and swelling from a basketball injury. The right knee exam demonstrated minimal swelling, decreased range of motion secondary to pain, and generalized tenderness. A radiograph of the right knee revealed a tibial spine fracture. Tibial spine fractures are avulsion fractures of the spine of the tibia at the insertion site of the anterior cruciate ligament. The incidence of avulsion fractures is higher in adolescents because the region of the apophyseal growth plate between the soft-tissue attachment site and the body of the bone is weaker in that age group. Tibial spine avulsion fractures are relatively uncommon and occur annually in approximately three per 100,000 children.

Arthroscopic Reduction of Bicruciate Tibial Avulsion Fractures: Lever Push Technique

Combined anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fractures are rare knee injuries that are primarily seen in adults. Prompt surgical intervention is indicated for displaced fractures to restore knee stability. Arthroscopic techniques are now the preferred method for treating anterior tibial spine avulsion fractures with posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fractures being treated arthroscopically or with open reduction and internal fixation methods. This Technical Note and accompanying video demonstrate an arthroscopically assisted repair of bicruciate tibial avulsion fractures using an arthroscopic lever push technique. Two sutures are passed through the anterior cruciate ligament and pulled down through two bone tunnels placed within the tibial fracture bed, and one suture is passed around the posterior cruciate ligament and pulled down through one bone tunnel passing from the anterior tibia to the tibial fracture bed. Our technique is simple and effective in reducing bicruciate tibial avulsion fractures to anatomic position.

Prospective study of functional outcome of arthroscopic suture pull out fixation of displaced tibial spine avulsion fracture

Background: Tibial eminence avulsion fractures commonly occur in children and adolescents aged between 8 and 14 years. A valgus-directed force associated with an external torsion when the knee is in hyperextension is the most frequently referred mechanism, which closely resembles the one for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. This happens because the epiphyseal ossification process reaches the tibial eminence only in late childhood or adolescence, leaving this area more vulnerable to tensile forces than the ACL itself. In adults, this lesion is rare and associated either with high- energy trauma, boot-induced injuries in skiers or forced internal rotation with a flexed knee. Avulsion fractures may either involve the intercondylar depression where the ACL insertion lies only or, less frequently, the entire tibial spine with medial and lateral plateau.Materials and Methods: From November 2019 to December 2020, an intervention clinical study was carried out at Sanjay Gandhi institute of trauma and orthopaedics, A number of 30 patients having avulsion tibial spine fracture classified Meyers & McKeever Type II, TYPE III and IV were involved in our study.Results: Fractures were united within 3 months after surgery in all 30 cases. The Lysholm score was improved to 98(98.17 ± 1.599). In 2 patients, post operative knee stiffness was noted and arthrolysis was done for the same. All patients returned to their pre-injury physical activities at the last follow-up. Conclusion: Arthroscopic suture pull-out fixation for type III and IV tibial spine avulsion results in excellent clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with open and closed physis without any significant complications.

Knee Trauma.

Knee Trauma.

CLINICAL OUTCOME OF ARTHROSCOPIC REDUCTION AND FIXATION BY PULL THROUGH SUTURE TECHNIQUE IN TIBIAL SPINE FRACTURES

Background -Tibial spine avulsion fracture is bony avulsions of anterior cruciate Ligament (ACL) from its attachment on the anteromedial portion of the intercondylartibial eminence. If not treated well, Tibial spine fractures can lead to non-union or malunion, which can lead to signicant disability in the form of exion deformity,loss of extension, or instability. Aims And Objectives: This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating clinical outcome of arthroscopic reduction and xation of fractures by pull through suture technique and complications associated with the procedure. Thi Material And Method: s prospective with retrospective study analyzed 20 patients (16 males and 4 females), with mean age of 28.6 ± 9.8 years (range, 15-55). Patients were classied by Meyers and Mckeever type III (n=16) and IV (n=4) and were operated arthroscopically by pull through suture technique. They were followed over a mean period of 10±2.8 months. Postoperative assessment was done by using Lachman test, Lysholm knee score and international knee documentation Committee (IKDC) score. Objective assessment of anterior translation of tibia was done by using indigenously developed device named Laxometer. At the end of follow up,17 of 20 patient had no or minimal anterior transl Results: ation of tibia by Lachman test. The mean preoperative Lysholm score in 20 knees was 38 (range 29 to 55) and mean post-operative Lysholm score was 96 (range 83-100). At the end of follow up 17 of 20 (85%) patients accessed by IKDC score were normal/ nearly normal grade A/B and 3 patients were abnormal (grade C). All patients achieved union within 3 months (range 8 to 17 weeks). 20% patients had restricted range of motion. Arthroscopic pull Conclusion: through suture technique has good clinical outcomes in both type III and type IV fractures, and in all age groups (open and closed physis) with minimal complications. This was evidenced by no instability and residual ACL deciency, postoperatively at 1 year. Most patients have excellent recovery with full return of knee range of motion.

Arthroscopic Repair in Tibial Spine Avulsion Fractures Using Polyethylene Terephthalate Suture: Good to Excellent Results in Pediatric Patients.

Background: The objective of the arthroscopic treatment in tibial spine avulsion fractures (TSAF) is to achieve firm reduction and strong internal fixation while still having the patient undergo a minimally invasive procedure. Material and methods: The study was performed on 12 young patients with avulsion fracture of the anterior tibial spine. All 12 patients had type 3 Modified Meyers and McKeever fractures. The injury mechanism was direct anterior to posterior trauma in full leg length hyperextension with sport trauma reported in all cases. The physical examination revealed decreased range of motion, extension deficit, and pain during walking. Radiology, MRI, and CT pathologic findings described complete fracture of the anterior tibial spine with no clear signs of callus formation at the time of examination. All patients underwent arthroscopic suture surgical treatment. The Tegner, the Lysholm, and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were used to evaluate subjective outcomes at three and six months after the surgery. Radiographs were used to assess callus formation and healing status of the fracture. Results: The mean IKDC score was 33.4 ± 23.3 (p = 0.032) preoperatively and 84.2 ± 14.3 at final follow-up (p = 0.0032, CI = 95%). The mean Tegner score improved from 3.8 ± 1.1 pre-operatively to 6.7 ± 2.2 at six months follow-up (p = 0.0231, CI = 95%). The Lysholm score differed significantly at baseline compared to final follow-up (53.7 ± 17.3 vs. 87.7 ± 9.9; p = 0.0066, CI = 95%). In all cases (n = 12), the radiographs taken after six months revealed the healing of the fracture in the anatomic position without secondary displacement. No functional knee instability was detected at the end of the study. Conclusions: The study provides preliminary promising results regarding fracture healing, knee stability, and functional subjective scores. Patient selection was a major factor of success prediction for this technique.

Early Operative Versus Delayed Operative Versus Nonoperative Treatment of Pediatric and Adolescent Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Treatment options for pediatric and adolescent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries include early operative, delayed operative, and nonoperative management. Currently, there is a lack of consensus regarding the optimal treatment for these injuries. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to determine the optimal treatment strategy for ACL injuries in pediatric and adolescent patients. We hypothesized that (1) early ACL reconstruction results in fewer meniscal tears than delayed reconstruction but yields no difference in knee stability and (2) when compared with nonoperative management, any operative management results in fewer meniscal tears and cartilage injuries, greater knee stability, and higher return-to-sport rates. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A systematic search of databases was performed including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Inclusion criteria were a pediatric and adolescent patient population (≤19 years old at surgery), the reporting of clinical outcomes after treatment of primary ACL injury, and original scientific research article. Exclusion criteria were revision ACL reconstruction, tibial spine avulsion fracture, case report or small case series (<5 patients), non–English language manuscripts, multiligamentous injuries, and nonclinical studies. Results: A total of 30 studies containing 50 cohorts and representing 1176 patients met our criteria. With respect to nonoperative treatment, knee instability was observed in 20% to 100%, and return to preinjury level of sports ranged from 6% to 50% at final follow-up. Regarding operative treatment, meta-analysis results favored early ACL reconstruction over delayed reconstruction (>12 weeks) for the presence of any meniscal tear (odds ratio, 0.23; P = .006) and irreparable meniscal tear (odds ratio, 0.31; P = .001). Comparison of any side-to-side differences in KT-1000 arthrometer testing did not favor early or delayed ACL reconstruction in either continuous mean differences (P = .413) or proportion with difference ≥3 mm (P = .181). Return to preinjury level of competition rates for early and delayed ACL reconstruction ranged from 57% to 100%. Conclusion: Delaying ACL reconstruction in pediatric or adolescent patients for >12 weeks significantly increased the risk of meniscal injuries and irreparable meniscal tears; however, early and delayed operative treatment achieved satisfactory knee stability. Nonoperative management resulted in high rates of residual knee instability, increased risk of meniscal tears, and comparatively low rates of return to sports.

Satisfactory clinical outcomes using a novel arthroscopic technique for fixation of tibial spine avulsion fractures: technical note

This research aims to present a novel arthroscopic fixation technique that uses a double-row suture anchor for tibial spine avulsion and to evaluate its short-term clinical outcomes. The surgical technique is described and a retrospective case series is presented. Patients who presented with tibial spine avulsion type III and IV fractures according to the Meyers and McKeever classification and received the same surgical treatment from 2013 to 2018 in two specialised hospitals in Medellín City were included. All interventions were performed by an experienced surgeon. To determine outcomes during clinical follow-up, the Lysholm score and objective and subjective International Knee Documentation Committee scores were obtained before and at least 12 months after surgery. A total of 24 patients were followed, with a mean age of 31 years; 12 patients were female. The median time between trauma and surgical fixation was 12 days (IQR=7–23), with a median follow-up period of 13.5 months (IQR=9.5–31.5). When comparing patients’ state initially and during the postoperative period, statistically significant differences were found in all the scores analysed (p<0.05). Likewise, there were no complications and no reinterventions performed during follow-up, and all patients were satisfied with the outcomes of the procedure. Fixation of tibial spine avulsion fractures using the double-row suture anchor technique results in improvement in patients’ function, pain and activity level. The main conclusion is that the procedure is an anatomical technique that requires minimal access and leads to satisfactory clinical evolution of patients.Level of evidence: Level V, case series.

Arthroscopic treatment of tibial spine malunion with ACL reconstruction: A case report

Tibial spine fractures are rare and highly associated with instability of the knee as it is where the anterior cruciate ligament attaches. Malunion or nonunion are common complication of tibial spine fractures with loss of knee extension as the major problem. We report a case of a 30-year-old female with a neglected malunion tibial spine avulsion fracture of the right knee joint. She came to our clinic with knee pain and loss of extension due to malunion with impingement anteriorly of the tibial spine on the notch, which previously managed as osteoarthritis and planned for replacement in another hospital. We performed tibial spine excision, sacrificed the ACL remnants, and reconstructed it with hamstring tendons per arthroscopic. Post-operatively, the patient was able to fully extend the knee without any pain and instability. In this report, we present an alternative method regarding the treatment for malunion of tibial spine fractures.

Clinical outcome of tibial spine ACL avulsion fracture in adults treated with suture bridge fixation

Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament avulsion from the tibia with a bony fragment of the tibial spine is an uncommon injury of the knee joint. These are predominantly seen in children and young adults. Arthroscopic reduction and fixation of the tibial avulsion fracture is a technically demanding procedure as restoring the ACL length and tension during fixation is important to ensure stability of the knee while maintaining range of motion and minimal knee laxity. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the outcome of Arthroscopic Suture bridge fixation of tibial spine anterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures. Materials and Methods: We followed up seven patients prospectively after Arthroscopic suture bridge fixation. The patients were assessed with clinical examination, Tegner Lysholm and IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) knee scores. The study group consisted of 5 males and 2 females with a mean age of 24.28 years (Range 18 years to 32 years). Mean follow-up time was 28.7 months (range 24 to 36 months). The study included 4 type II and 3 type III Meyer and McKeever fractures. Results: At follow-up the mean Tegner lysholm score was 91.28. The best results were seen in younger patients. Younger patients had significantly better score for IKDC functional and final scores. Conclusion: Displaced tibial spine avulsion fractures can be successfully treated in younger and older patients using arthroscopic suture bridge fixation with most patients returning back to preinjury levels of activity. Keywords: Arthroscopy, Tibial fractures, Avulsion, Anterior cruciate ligament injuries, Fracture fixation internal.

Arthroscopic Reduction and Fixation by Cerclage Wire Loop for Tibial Spine Avulsion in Adults: Short-term Results.

Background:Several arthroscopic techniques for the treatment of avulsion tibial spine fractures have been described in the literature.Purpose:To evaluate the outcomes of the arthroscopically assisted stainless steel wiring technique in the treatment of avulsed tibial spine in adults.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:This retrospective study involved 28 patients (28 knees), 16 to 42 years of age, with tibial spine avulsion fracture that was treated using arthroscopic reduction and cerclage wire fixation by a single surgeon between March 2015 and August 2018. The degrees of avulsion in these patients were type II (n = 12), type III (n = 10), and type IV fractures (n = 6). Clinical assessment included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) objective score (which noted swelling), range of knee movement, Tegner activity scale, Lachman test, and pivot-shift test compared with the normal opposite knee.Results:The mean follow-up period was 24.1 months (range, 18-30 months). The mean IKDC score was 93.7 (range, 88.5-98.9); the IKDC score was normal in 22 patients and nearly normal in 6 patients. The Lachman test was grade 1 in 25 patients and grade 2 in 3 patients, whereas the pivot-shift test was grade 0 in 26 patients and grade 1 in 2 patients. All patients achieved their preinjury Tegner activity levels. Radiological assessment showed healing in all patients within a mean of 12 weeks after surgery.Conclusion:The outcomes of all patients were satisfactory; fixation by cerclage wiring permitted reduction of tibial spine fragment anatomically to its fracture bed, provided stable fixation in displaced tibial spine avulsion, and allowed for early rehabilitation and weightbearing because of stable fixation.

Suture Versus Screw Fixation of Tibial Spine Fractures in Children and Adolescents: A Comparative Study.

Background:Tibial spine fractures involve an avulsion injury of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) at the intercondylar eminence, typically in children and adolescents. Displaced fractures are commonly treated with either suture or screw fixation.Purpose:To investigate differences in various outcomes between patients treated with arthroscopic suture versus screw fixation for tibial spine avulsion fractures in one of the largest patient cohorts in the literature.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:A search of medical records was performed with the goal of identifying all type 2 and type 3 tibial spine avulsion fractures surgically treated between 2000 and 2014 at a pediatric hospital. All patients had a minimum of 12 months clinical follow-up, suture or screw fixation only, and no major concomitant injury.Results:There were 68 knees in 67 patients meeting criteria for analysis. There were no differences with regard to postsurgical arthrofibrosis (P = .59), ACL reconstruction (P = .44), meniscal procedures (P = .85), instability (P = .49), range of motion (P = .51), return to sport (P >.999), or time to return to sport (P = .11). Elevation of the repaired fragment on postoperative imaging was significantly greater in the suture group (5.4 vs 3.5 mm; P = .005). Postoperative fragment elevation did not influence surgical outcomes. The screw fixation group had more reoperations (13 vs 23; P = .03), a larger number of reoperations for implant removal (3 vs 22; P < .001), and nearly 3 times the odds of undergoing reoperation compared with suture patients (odds ratio, 2.9; P = .03).Conclusion:Clinical outcomes between suture and screw fixation were largely equivalent in our patients. Postoperative fragment elevation does not influence surgical outcomes. Consideration should be given for the greater likelihood of needing a second operation, planned or unplanned, after screw fixation.