Clinical Outcome of Arthroscopic Suture Fixation for Tibial Eminence Fractures in Adults

• Published in: Arthroscopy Vol. 28; no. 10; pp. 1472 - 1480
• Main Authors: Koukoulias, Nikolaos E., M.D., Ph.D, Germanou, Evangelia, M.Sc., Ph.D, Lola, Despoina, M.D, Papavasiliou, Athanasios V., M.D., Ph.D, Papastergiou, Stergios G., M.D., Ph.D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01.10.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Arthroscopy; Biological and medical sciences; Endoscopy; Female; Humans; Injuries of the limb. Injuries of the spine; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Orthopedic surgery; Orthopedics; Range of Motion, Articular; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Suture Techniques; Tibial Fractures - surgery; Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult; Human; Arthroscopy; Orthopedic surgery; Prognosis; Treatment; Tibia; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Adult; Fracture; Endoscopy; Trauma
• ISSN: 0749-8063; 1526-3231
• DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2012.03.014

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of arthroscopic suture fixation for tibial eminence fractures in adults. Methods Twelve patients with a mean age of 29.9 years (range, 18 to 45 years) were prospectively followed up after arthroscopic suture fixation for tibial eminence fractures. Along with clinical examination, Lysholm, Tegner, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) rating scales were used to evaluate the patients. Anteroposterior knee laxity was measured with a Rolimeter (Aircast, Vista, CA), and range of motion was measured with a goniometer. Results Patients were followed up for a mean of 50 months (range, 25 to 69 months). There were no detectable signs or symptoms of instability postoperatively. The mean preinjury Tegner score was 6.1 (range, 3 to 9), and at follow-up, the mean Tegner score was 5.8 (range, 3 to 9). No Lysholm or IKDC scores were obtained and no range-of-motion measurements were performed preoperatively because all injuries were acute. The mean Lysholm score was 98 (range, 94 to 100), and the mean IKDC score was 94.7 (range, 89.1 to 100). Anterior translation of the tibia, measured with the Rolimeter, was 0.58 mm on average (range, 0 to 3 mm) compared with the healthy side. Postoperatively, the mean extension deficit was 1° (range, 0° to 5°) and the mean flexion deficit was 2.7° (range, 0° to 10°) compared with the unaffected side. Overall, knees were graded as normal or nearly normal in 11 patients and abnormal in 1. Conclusions Tibial eminence fractures in adults can be effectively treated with arthroscopic suture fixation. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.