[Fractures of the tuberculum intercondyloideum laterale in children].

Thirty-one fractures of the tibial spine in children have been treated, two of them being old fractures. They were reviewed after a minimum follow-up of six months and a maximum of seven years. Ten were treated conservatively, 21 operatively. The mechanism is discussed. The trauma is described as either a posterior displacement of the femoral condyle or rotation and abduction of the leg with the knee flexed. The importance of testing stability under general anaesthesia is stressed. Sixteen cases had an anterior drawer sign. The medical meniscus was only injured in one case. The indications for treatment are: Conservative treatment should be given in fractures without displacement and without instability. All other types should be treated surgically with fixation of the anterior cruciate ligament made through a tunnel in the tibia. Whichever type of treatment is used, the length of immobilisation in plaster should not exceed 30 days. Twenty-seven cases were available for study. Twenty-three had excellent results, three good results and one poor result.