Fixation of small tibial avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament using the double bundles pull-through suture method.

BACKGROUND

Avulsion of the tibial insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament is commonly repaired via open reduction and internal fixation with a screw, Kirschner's wire, and suture. In the case of a major bony fragment, this technique is adequate to achieve rigid fixation. In the case of an avulsion fracture with a small bony fragment, however, it is not uncommon to break the bone fragment during screw fixation. We describe a new technique for fixation of an avulsion fracture with a small bony fragment. The technique uses a double bundles pull-through suture technique that repairs the anterolateral and posteromedial components of the posterior cruciate ligament simultaneously.

METHODS

From March 1994 through May 1997, 12 patients with small tibial avulsion fractures of the posterior cruciate ligament were treated using this technique.

RESULTS

At an average of 18 months after surgery (range, 12-24 months), the preliminary clinical and radiographic results were satisfactory. Eleven patients could return to the same or a higher level of preinjury sports activity. According to the International Knee Documentation Committee rating system, 10 of the 12 patients had normal or nearly normal ratings.

CONCLUSION

The double bundles pull-through suture technique can avoid the risk of breakage of the small bony fragment, does not require the removal of hardware, and can achieve adequate repair in the anatomic situation. Our clinical experience suggests that it is a good choice for fixation in cases of avulsion fracture with a small bony fragment.