Posterior Cruciate Ligament Avulsion Fracture of Tibia: Fixation with Screw and Augmentation Using Ethibond Suture for Improved Clinical Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is a vital structure in knee biomechanics, and its avulsion fractures present a unique challenge. This prospective cohort study was conducted at Grant Government Medical College and JJ Hospital, Mumbai, aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) utilizing cancellous screws and ethibond suture augmentation for PCL avulsion fractures. PCL avulsion fractures often result from traumatic incidents, such as road traffic accidents, and are associated with complications if left untreated.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Patients aged 20-45 years with isolated PCL avulsion fractures, confirmed by clinical and radiological assessments, were included. Seven eligible patients underwent ORIF, and outcomes were evaluated through clinical assessments, radiological imaging, and the Lysholm knee scoring system. Follow-ups were conducted for a mean time of 13.2 months, assessing stability, range of motion, and complications.

RESULTS

The study demonstrated a mean post-operative Lysholm score of 93.8, significantly improved from the pre-operative score of 49.6. Post-operative knee flexion averaged 125.2°. Fracture healing was observed in all cases, and complications were minimal. The study provides evidence of the effectiveness of ORIF with ethibond suture augmentation for PCL avulsion fractures.

CONCLUSION

The study concludes that the proposed surgical technique yields positive outcomes, including enhanced knee functionality, successful fracture healing, and minimal complications. This approach, combining cancellous screws and ethibond suture augmentation, presents a promising option for the management of PCL avulsion fractures, contributing to the diverse landscape of effective treatment modalities.