[Suture-bridge fixation under arthroscopy in treatment of tibial eminence avulsion fracture of anterior cruciate ligament in adolescents].

OBJECTIVE

To explore effectiveness of suture-bridge fixation under arthroscopy in treatment of tibial eminence avulsion fracture of anterior cruciate ligament in adolescents.

METHODS

Between June 2013 and October 2016, 18 adolescent patients suffered tibial eminence avulsion fracture of anterior cruciate ligament were treated by suture-bridge fixation under arthroscopy. There were 11 males and 7 females with an average age of 12.5 years (range, 5-17 years). The injury caused by bruise in 6 cases, by sprain in 4 cases, and by sport injury in 8 cases. The interval between injury and admission ranged from 2 hours to 10 months (mean, 2 months). The results of preoperative Lachman and anterior drawer tests were positive. There were 10 cases of knee pain, 4 cases of knee extension limitation, and 4 cases of knee extension without strength. According to the Meyer-McKeever classification criteria, 12 cases were type Ⅱ and 6 cases were type Ⅲ.

RESULTS

All incisions healed by first intention. All 18 patients were followed up 10-18 months after operation, with an average of 12 months. Postoperative X-ray films showed that all fractures healed after 6-12 weeks (mean, 8 weeks). The results of postoperative Lachman and anterior drawer tests were negative. At last follow-up, the Lysholm knee score was 90.1±5.0 and 93.1±6.2 for affected and unaffected sides, respectively, showing no significant difference between affected and unaffected sides( t=0.669, P=3.184［?］). There was no premature closure of skeleton or leg length discrepancy and deformity.

CONCLUSION

For tibial eminence avulsion fracture of anterior cruciate ligament in adolescents, the suture-bridge fixation under arthroscopy is an effective method with many advantages, such as minimal invasion, reliable fixation, good fracture healing, and no need for second operation to remove implants.