Tibial Eminence Fractures Research Articles

The case report of avulsion fracture of tibial tubercle

The case report of avulsion fracture of tibial tubercle

Arthroscopic fixation with intra-articular button for tibial intercondylar eminence fractures in skeletally immature patients.

The aim of this study was to describe our experiences with arthroscopy-guided intra-articular button fixation in the treatment of displaced tibial eminence fractures in skeletally immature children. Eleven adolescent patients with an average age of 12.2 years were treated arthroscopically between January 2005 and February 2007. At follow-up evaluation at 69 months, we did not find any instability. Only minimal differences were found in the functional outcomes (Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee scores: 95.7 and 94.3, respectively). None of the patients had a leg-length discrepancy defined at the time of the final follow-up. The advantages of this technique are as follows: (a) it is a simple and reliable arthroscopic technique with a direct view, (b) the fixation is stable,

Incidence of complications associated with tibial tuberosity advancement in Boxer dogs.

To retrospectively review and describe the incidence of complications associated with tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) surgical procedures in a group of Boxer dogs (n = 36 stifles) and compare the data with a non-Boxer control population (n = 271 stifles). Retrospective analysis of medical records to identify all dogs that underwent TTA surgery due to cranial cruciate ligament disease. These records were categorized into two groups: Boxer dogs and non-Boxer dogs (controls - all other breeds). Of the 307 stifles included, 69 complications were reported in 58 joints. The complication rate differed significantly for Boxer dogs (16/36 stifles) and non-Boxer dogs (42/271 stifles), corresponding to an odds ratio of 5.8 (confidence interval: 1.96-17.02; p-value <0.001). Boxer dogs were more likely to undergo revision surgery and to develop multiple complications. The incidence of tibial tuberosity fractures requiring surgical repair (2/36 versus 1/271) and incisional infections requiring antibiotic treatment (three in each group) was significantly higher in the Boxer group. Boxer dogs had more major and multiple complications after TTA surgery than the control non-Boxer group; these complications included higher rates of revision surgery, tibial tuberosity fractures requiring stabilization, and infection related complications. The pertinence and value of breed-specific recommendations for cranial cruciate ligament disease appears to be a subject worthy of further investigation.

Absorbable and non-absorbable suture fixation results in similar outcomes for tibial eminence fractures in children and adolescents.

To evaluate efficacy and safety of extraphyseal tibial eminence avulsion fracture repair with absorbable sutures and a distal bone bridge fixation in comparison to previously described technique with non-absorbable sutures and distal screw fixation. In a physeal-sparing technique, tibial eminence fractures (n=25; McKeever type II/III n=11/14) were either treated in group A (n=15, follow-up 28.1months) using an absorbable suture fixed over a bone bridge or in group B (n=10, follow-up 47.4months) with a non-absorbable suture wrapped around an extraarticular tibial screw. IKDC and Lysholm scores were assessed, and the difference between the surgical and contralateral knee in anteroposterior (AP) translation, measured with a Rolimeter. There was no significant difference between group A and group B in IKDC and Lysholm scores with 90.1 points±10.2 and 94.1 points±8.1, respectively (n.s.). AP translation did not differ between groups (n.s.). Eight of ten screws in group B had to be removed in a second intervention. A total of four arthrofibroses were counted (three in group A). Extraphyseal tibial eminence repair with absorbable sutures and a distal bone bridge fixation results in similar rates of radiographic and clinical healing at 3months after surgery as non-absorbable sutures tied around a screw, while avoiding the need for hardware removal. The minimal invasive technique to fix an eminence fracture without any permanent sutures or hardware is advantageous for children. To our knowledge, this is the first study that compares non-absorbable with absorbable sutures for a physeal-sparing technique. III.

Tibial tubercle fractures in adolescents

Treatment of tibial tubercle fractures in adolescents produce good clinical and radiographic results, regardless of the type of fracture. There is a tendency of fractures with intraarticular involvement or a posterior metaphyseal component to have high complication rates and associated injuries, which may warrant advanced imaging or arthroscopic evaluation. Complications appear to be more common than expected but without a significant effect on final outcome.

Cartilaginous tibial eminence fractures in children: which recommendations for management of this new entity?

Cartilaginous tibial eminence fracture (CTEF) is a new pattern of ACL rupture in children under the age of nine. MRI signs have been recently reported, but no series gave information about outcomes. It was hypothesized that primary treatment gave better results than delayed management due to frequent misdiagnosis. This retrospective study focused on 15 patients, managed acutely (n=7) or delayed (n=8). The patients' median age at the time of initial injury was 6.5years (range 5-9). Lysholm, IKDC 2000 subjective scores, and the measurement of the residual laxity by a side-to-side difference with a KT-1000 junior arthrometer were used at the time of revision. After a mean follow-up of 9.8years (range 1-18.5), the mean Lysholm and IKDC subjective scores were, respectively, 97.7±2.6 and 97±3.4. The median residual laxity was 2mm (range 0-4). Non-operative treatment lead to 2 failures: intermeniscal ligament entrapment and combined avulsion fracture at the femoral site. Suture fixation of the avulsed fragment allows regularly good results when performed acutely or even 4years after the injury. The hypothesis that primary treatment gives better result than delayed treatment tends to be wrong as 2 failures were reported in each group. An ACL reconstruction was performed in 3 out of the 4 treatment failures. Progressive resorption of the avulsed fragment was noticed in 3 of the 4 failures suggesting an associated ACL resorption. CTEF has a good prognosis even after misdiagnosis and treatment at the time of non-union; this could be due to low-energy mechanism of injury and low rate of associated lesion. Orthopaedic treatment for acute minimally displaced fractures is only indicated under strict MRI control, and suture fixation is the recommended strategy in other situations. Conservative management of non-union could expose to ACL involution and cannot be recommended. Retrospective case series, Level IV.

Effect of Osteotomy Position and Tibial Plateau Rotation on the Tensile Force Required for Failure of the Canine Quadriceps Mechanism.

To measure the tensile force required for failure of the quadriceps mechanism with different tibial tuberosity widths and different degrees of rotation of the tibial plateau after radial osteotomy of the proximal tibia. Ex vivo study, randomized unblocked design Thirty-five hind limbs from 18 adult Greyhound cadavers. Part 1 (15 limbs)--The center of rotation of the proximal tibial radial osteotomy was advanced craniodistally, progressively reducing absolute tibial tuberosity width (ATTW) for 5 different widths. Part 2 (21 limbs)-Tibial plateau rotation was performed at a set ATTW. Rotation was varied as a function of tibial tuberosity position with rotation proximal, level with, or distal to the tuberosity. All 35 limbs were tested with force applied via the quadriceps mechanism until construct failure occurred. All but 2 limbs failed by fracture of the tibial tuberosity. The tensile force required for failure of the quadriceps mechanism increased linearly with increasing ATTW. Significantly less force (P = .016) was required for failure of the quadriceps mechanism when the rotation of the tibial plateau was distal to the level of the patella tendon (mean 1,877 N) compared to when it was above the level of the patella tendon (mean 2,533 N). Rotation of the tibial plateau distal to the level of the patella tendon insertion point resulted in fracture at the base of the tibial tuberosity, level with the tibial plateau buttress. The overwhelming mode of failure of the quadriceps mechanism was by tibial tuberosity fracture, thus this was the weakest part of the construct. Reducing the tibial tuberosity width and rotation of the tibial plateau segment below the patella tendon insertion decreased the force required for tibial tuberosity fracture. These results support the idea of a safe point with the tibial plateau segment providing buttress to the tibial tuberosity.

The tibial eminence fracture in skeletally immature patients.

Although tibial eminence fractures are uncommon, their importance cannot be overemphasized in skeletally immature patients because of the fracture's close proximity to both the tibial physis as well as the attachment between the tibial eminence and the anterior cruciate ligament, the latter being a key component in maintaining knee stability. This review focuses on recent trends in treatment concepts and devices. Recent literature on this topic addresses the existence of a variety of treatment modalities, but the majority of these articles analyzed a limited number of cases and insisted on the merits of their own methods. Nevertheless, some consensus has been reached regarding treatment direction and how much laxity should be considered acceptable. Although the review failed to reveal a gold standard modality in treating tibial eminence fractures, most studies agreed on several issues. Displaced intra-articular fractures should be fixed operatively.

English

Avulsion fractures of tibial intercondylar eminence is a rare injury mainly affecting the pediatric population between 8 to 14 and is even rarer in adults with very few cases reported in literature. It occurs with high energy trauma in adults and may be associated with knee dislocation and neurovascular injuries. A 30 yr old male presented with a painful swollen left knee, limited knee motion, and difficulty with weight bearing after a history of fall from motorcycle. Imaging revealed Type 3 Meyers and McKeever tibial spine avulsion of both ACL and PCL. A two staged surgical procedure was performed: (a) Arthroscopic reduction and fixation with headed cannulated screw of ACL tibial fragment; (b) ORIF with headed cannulated screw of PCL tibial fragment via posterior approach to knee. Good functional outcome and early mobilization was achieved. Diagnostic arthroscopic helps to evaluate the condition of the cruciate ligaments as well as fracture bed. Simultaneously fixation of ACL fragment with cannulated screw can be done, which is a simpler procedure to suture fixation. ORIF of PCL fragment in a staged manner has helped to address the injury in a detailed manner achieving goal of anatomical reduction and early mobilization.

Risk factors for tibial tuberosity fracture after tibial tuberosity advancement in dogs.

To retrospectively identify factors that predispose to tibial tuberosity (TT) fracture after tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) in dogs. The medical records and radiographs of a group of control dogs (n = 212) that had TTA surgery (n = 241 procedures) and did not sustain a fracture between 2008 and 2013, and those of 12 dogs that did sustain a fracture (n = 13 procedures) between 2008 and 2013 at two veterinary teaching hospitals were evaluated to determine the effect of signalment, body weight and surgical inaccuracies on TT fracture. Multivariable logistic regression was performed with the occurrence of TT fracture as the outcome variable of interest. Signalment and body weight were not found to be associated with TT fracture. Of the surgical inaccuracies, osteotomy shape (p = 0.003), plate position (p = 0.009), and cage position (p = 0.039) were factors significantly associated with TT fracture. This study provides data to support the hypothesis that poor plate position, poor cage position, and narrow distal osteotomy width are associated with TT fracture after TTA. We conclude that it is of paramount importance to pay careful attention to surgical technique in order to reduce this risk.

Tibial tubercle fracture in a 14-year-old athlete with bilateral lower pole bipartite patella and osgood-schlatter disease.

We present a case of tibial tubercle fracture in a young male athlete with both bilateral bipartite patella at the lower pole (Saupe type I) and Osgood-Schlatter disease. Open reduction and internal fixation were performed to restore the extensor mechanism of the knee.

Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy in 69 small breed dogs using conically coupled 1.9/2.5 mm locking plates. A clinical and radiographic retrospective assessment.

To report clinical experiences with the tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) procedure in small breed dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease using specific, conically coupled, 1.9/2.5 mm locking plates and evaluating short-term complications and outcome. Medical records of small breed dogs (<15 kg) that underwent TPLO using 1.9/2.5 mm locking plates were reviewed retrospectively. The preoperative, postoperative and six to eight weeks postoperative tibial plateau angle (TPA) measurements were determined from the radiographic images. Lameness evaluation was assessed subjectively preoperatively and six to eight weeks postoperatively. Sixty-nine small breed dogs (n = 79 stifles) were included in the study. Mean (± SD) preoperative TPA was 29.0 ± 3.4°, postoperative TPA was 5.8 ± 2.5°, and six to eight weeks postoperative TPA was 7.3 ± 4.1°. Sixteen complications occurred in 12 out of 79 TPLO procedures: three were intra-operative (intra-articular screw placement) and 13 were postoperative complications, of which nine were identified as minor complications not requiring surgical reintervention, and four as major complications requiring additional surgical intervention, including tibial tuberosity fracture (n = 1), osteomyelitis (n = 1), screw failure (n = 1), and plate breakage (n = 1). Lameness scores by clinical assessment reduced from a median value of 3/4 preoperatively to 1/4 at six to eight weeks postoperatively. 1.9/2.5 mm locking plates appear to be a valid choice of implant for the stabilization of unilateral TPLO in small breed dogs.

Short-term complications associated with TPLO in dogs using 2.0 and 2.7 mm plates.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate short-term complications associated with the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) procedure in dogs of small and medium sizes. These study findings could then be compared with similar studies in dogs of all sizes. Ninety-eight procedures (82 dogs) using 2 or 2.7 mm TPLO plates were included spanning a 6 yr period with a minimum of an 8 wk follow-up period. The overall complication rate was 36%. Complications were grouped into three categories: intraoperative (2%), those occurring up to 2 wk postoperatively (11%), and those occurring >2 wk postoperatively (30%). Radiographic evidence of delayed healing of the TPLO osteotomy site was the most common complication in the dogs (9%), none of which had clinical signs attributed to delayed healing. Other common complications included patellar tendon thickening (8%) and tibial tuberosity fracture (6%). Seven percent of the complications were considered major (requiring additional surgical intervention). Fifty-two percent of complications did not require treatment. Short-term complications should not dissuade an experienced surgeon from performing the TPLO procedure in small- and medium-sized dogs.

Arthroscopic double strand wire fixation anteriorly and posteriorly to anterior cruciate ligament for tibial intercondylar eminence fracture

To explore the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic double strand wire fixation anteriorly and posteriorly to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) for tibial intercondylar eminence fracture. From January 2009 to February 2012, 12 patients with tibial intercondylar eminence fracture were selected. There were 4 males and 8 females with an average age of 19.5 ± 10 (10-50) years. Time from injury to operation was 4 days to 2 years. All cases belonged to Meyers-Mekeever type II and type III. Arthroscopic double strand wire compressive fixation was performed anteriorly and posteriorly to ACL. Other measures included postoperative rehabilitation and supports with brace in knee extension when weight-bearing for 4-6 weeks. The average follow-up period was 15.6 (6-30) months. Final clinical results showed good range of motion and good knee stability. On postoperative radiology, there were good reduction of intercondylar eminence fracture and excellent healing. There was no occurrence of wire rupture. Postoperative IKDC and Lysholm scores were excellent (n = 10) and good (n = 2). There was no such complication as fragmentation of intercondylar eminence fracture bone, neurovascular injury or infection. Arthroscopic double strand compressive fixation for tibial intercondylar eminence fracture may be easily performed without injury to ACL substance. The reduction is both stable and reliable. And the clinical outcome is excellent.

Treatment of tibial eminence fractures: a systematic review.

Fractures of the tibial eminence are rare, accounting for less than 1% of the injuries involving the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Most agree that nondisplaced fractures can be managed nonoperatively, but debate exists over the ideal treatment of displaced fractures. This systematic review evaluates the outcome of nonoperatively and operatively managed displaced tibial eminence fractures. The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were queried. Inclusion criteria included reported outcomes of displaced tibial eminence fractures, minimum 2-year follow-up, and English language. Outcomes reported were pooled and included the following: clinical instability (Lachman/anterior drawer, pivot shift, and KT 1000), patient-reported pain and/or instability, return to sport, Lysholm, Tegner, and the need for ACL reconstruction. Comparison was made in the outcomes of nonoperatively and operatively treated fractures and between suture and screw fixation techniques. Overall 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled mean age was 23 years and mean follow-up was 35 months. Clinical instability was seen in 70% of nonoperatively treated patients and 14% of operatively treated patients (p < 0.0001). Patient-reported instability was higher in nonoperatively treated patients (54 vs. 1.2%, p < 0.0001), as was the rate of ACL reconstruction (10 vs. 1.0%, p = 0.036). In comparing suture fixation to screw fixation, patient-reported instability and the rate of ACL reconstruction were equivalent. Patients treated with screw fixation had a higher incidence of clinically measured instability (Lachman and KT arthrometer) and an increased rate of hardware removal (3.9 vs. 64.9%, p < 0.05). Surgically managed patients report less instability, are higher functioning, and require fewer ACL reconstructions when compared with nonoperatively treated patients. Suture fixation was associated with improvements in clinical measures of stability and decreased need for hardware removal; however, patient perception of stability and need for ACL reconstruction was no different between the two treatment methods.

Neglected ununited tibial eminence fractures in the skeletally immature: arthroscopic management.

The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate outcomes of arthroscopic management of neglected ununited tibial eminence fractures in skeletally immature patients. The study was conducted and cases performed by two surgeons from two centres as a prospective case series of 13 patients with neglected ununited tibial eminence fractures: nine were girls and four were boys; ten were right knees and three were left. The average age at surgery was ten [standard deviation (SD) 2.6] years. Average follow-up was 10.8 (SD 6.8) months. Primary outcome measures used for evaluation were the Objective International Knee Documentation Committee Score (IKDC), subjective IKDC and modified Lysholm knee score. Secondary outcome measures were visual analogue scales (VAS) for pain and patient satisfaction. Twelve patients had grade A objective IKDC score and one patient had grade B. Average subjective IKDC score was 80.5 (SD 16.7). Average modified Lysholm score was 91.2 (SD 8.9). Average VAS for operation satisfaction was 9.6 (SD 0.5) and for pain was 0.4 (SD 0.5). All patients showed radiological union and anatomical reduction at an average of 12.4 weeks postoperatively. At follow-up, all 13 patients showed complete range of motion (ROM). Eleven patients had negative Lachman, anterior drawer and pivot-shift tests, while two patients had grade 1 positive Lachman and negative anterior drawer and pivot-shift tests. No patient had complained of instability. Neglected ununited tibial eminence fractures in skeletally immature patients achieve good functional outcome results when treated with arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation using sutures.

Injuries of ACL with Avulsion of Bone Fragment from Tibial Intercondylar Eminence in Children and Adolescents

Experience in arthroscopic treatment of 54 patients aged 5-18 years with ACL injury and bone fragment avulsion from the tibial intercondylar eminence is presented. Type I injury (by Meyers &amp; McKeever - Zaricznyi classification) was diagnosed in 2 %, type II - in 49%, type III - in 40% and type IV - in 9% of patients. In patients with type I injury arthroscopic intervention was performed for concomitant injuries diagnosis and knee joint sanitation. In patients with II-IV types of injury arthroscopic osteosynthesis of tibial intercondylar eminence fractures with wire loop by original technique was performed. Excellent results were achieved in 44 (81.1%), good - in 7 (12.1%) and satisfactory - in 3 (6.8%) patients. Neither complications nor cases of nonunion were noted. Advantages of the proposed technique are the minimal traumatization of tibial growth zone, rigid fracture fixation, possibility to use this method of fixation in comminuted fractures

Injuries of ACL with Avulsion of Bone Fragment from Tibial Intercondylar Eminence in Children and Adolescents

Experience in arthroscopic treatment of 54 patients aged 5-18 years with ACL injury and bone fragment avulsion from the tibial intercondylar eminence is presented. Type I injury (by Meyers &amp; McKeever - Zaricznyi classification) was diagnosed in 2 %, type II - in 49%, type III - in 40% and type IV - in 9% of patients. In patients with type I injury arthroscopic intervention was performed for concomitant injuries diagnosis and knee joint sanitation. In patients with II-IV types of injury arthroscopic osteosynthesis of tibial intercondylar eminence fractures with wire loop by original technique was performed. Excellent results were achieved in 44 (81.1%), good - in 7 (12.1%) and satisfactory - in 3 (6.8%) patients. Neither complications nor cases of nonunion were noted. Advantages of the proposed technique are the minimal traumatization of tibial growth zone, rigid fracture fixation, possibility to use this method of fixation in comminuted fractures

Arthroscopic suture fixation in patients with a tibial intercondylar eminence fracture using a simple device to penetrate the anterior cruciate ligament

Displaced tibial intercondylar eminence fractures require early reduction and stable fixation to prevent nonunion, knee instability, and a lack of extension. Many types of surgical procedure are recommended including arthrotomy or an arthroscopic technique to stabilize the fracture segment using Kirschner wire, screws, staples, and suture fixation. However, contemporary arthroscopic techniques and devices can facilitate intra-articular surgery and have been applied to the treatment of this fracture. In our current report, we describe a simple suture fixation method under arthroscopy for the treatment of tibial intercondylar eminence fractures. We treated eight knees of eight patients. One patient had a Type II fracture and seven patients had a Type III fracture according to Meyer's classification. Following the arthroscopic inspection of concomitant injuries, debridement of hematoma, and reduction of the fragment, two nonabsorbable sutures (Ethibond No. 2, Johnson & Johnson, Somerville, NJ, USA) were advanced through the suture passer device, which is used to penetrate the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) near to the insertion site of the displaced fragment. Two surgical sutures were pulled out by the suture retriever from the anterior proximal tibia hole and were fixed to the tibia cortex bone with a double-spike plate. At follow-up, radiographic examinations showed that bone union was achieved in all cases. All but one patient could resume normal activities with no restrictions and no ligamentous instability. All knees had a negative Lachman's test and showed a gain of stable ligament function by KT2000 arthrometer evaluation. One patient had an insignificant extension limitation and experienced slight pain after walking but these symptoms were minimal. In conclusion current arthroscopic surgery techniques for tibial intercondylar fractures can be easily performed and reproducibly achieve secure fixation and early mobilization of the knee.

Tibial eminence fractures in the paediatric population: A systematic review

IntroductionWe present a systematic review of the literature for the management of tibial eminence fractures in the paediatric population. Our aims were to assess modalities of injury, treatment options available and their associated complications.Materials and methodsWe found 740 relevant citations in the English literature up to 1 October 2012, of which 36 full text articles met our inclusion criteria.ResultsOur results show that skiing, sports and motor vehicle accidents are increasingly common modes of injury, in addition to the commonly described fall off of a bicycle. Most studies advocate non-operative management for type I Meyer’s and McKeever’s fractures and reduction and internal fixation for type II and III fractures. Better long-term results have been reported with arthroscopic surgery compared to open surgery. There is no consensus as to which type of fixation is best suited for tibial eminence fractures; methods available include excision of the bony fragment, K-wire, screw and, absorbable suture fixation, and more recently, suture anchor and meniscal arrow. The main complications reported include arthrofibrosis, non-union, mal-union, pain and severe laxity. Early post-operative range of motion exercises have been shown to reduce the incidence of arthrofibrosis.ConclusionAs all papers report results from small case series, Level I studies are required to produce more definitive evidence for the management of paediatric tibial eminence fractures.