Suture anchor fixation of displaced tibial eminence avulsion fracture in children

Abstract

Background
Avulsion fractures of the tibial eminence during childhood are infrequent yet significant knee injuries. Given that the injury is equivalent to a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. The treatment strategy necessitates anatomic reduction to reestablish joint stability and reduce the risk of anterior impingement and flexion deformity. The aim of the study was to evaluate short-term results of arthroscopyassisted suture anchor fixation of tibial eminence avulsion in children.


Methods
This study included 11 injured children with type III avulsion tibial eminence. The average age was 8.55 years. The study included nine boys and two girls. The mechanism of trauma was bicycle accident in seven children, twisting injury in two children, falling downstairs in one child, and jumping from a height in one case.


Results
All patients were able to return to their everyday activities within 6 months following the injury. The range of motion at the end of follow up was full in 10 (90.9%) patients and functional range in one (9.1%) patient. The knee stability was excellent by clinical examination.


Conclusion
The successful application of this approach in preserving knee function following type III avulsion tibial eminence in pediatric patients has been demonstrated.