Combining pullout suture and retrograde screw fixation for anterior cruciate ligament tibial eminence avulsion fractures: A case report

J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2020 Jan-Apr;28(2):2309499020918681. doi: 10.1177/2309499020918681.

Abstract

This report describes a novel arthroscopic technique for the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial eminence avulsion fractures. A 16-year-old boy who was diagnosed with a left ACL tibial eminence avulsion fracture was treated by arthroscopic fixation. Two bone tunnels were created from the anterior tibial cortex into the fracture bed, and a strong suture passed through the ACL just above its insertion was pulled out through them for reduction and fixation. A retrograde cannulated screw fixation was added for stronger fixation. Weight-bearing and range of motion exercises were started immediately after surgery. Radiographically, bone union was obtained 6 months postoperatively. During second-look arthroscopy (24 months postoperatively), there was no loss of reduction and no subsequent meniscal or cartilage injuries. At that point, the Lysholm score was 95, and the International Knee Documentation Committee score was 96.

Keywords: anterior cruciate ligament; knee; pullout suture; screw fixation; tibial eminence avulsion fracture.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament / diagnostic imaging
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament / surgery*
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries / diagnosis
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries / etiology
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries / surgery*
  • Arthroscopy / methods*
  • Bone Screws*
  • Fractures, Avulsion / complications*
  • Fractures, Avulsion / diagnosis
  • Fractures, Avulsion / surgery
  • Humans
  • Knee Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Knee Joint / physiopathology
  • Knee Joint / surgery*
  • Male
  • Postoperative Period
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Suture Techniques
  • Sutures
  • Tibial Fractures / complications*
  • Tibial Fractures / diagnosis
  • Tibial Fractures / surgery