Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research (Jul 2024)

The modified suture-bridge technique for treating avulsion fracture of minors tibial eminence of anterior cruciate ligament: a retrospective study

  • Yimin Du,
  • Zhaojun Wang,
  • Shaojun Wu,
  • Peng Zhou,
  • Zheng Li,
  • Jinghong Yang,
  • Jun Zhong,
  • Zhong Li,
  • Juncai Liu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-024-04914-6
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 19, no. 1
pp. 1 – 9

Abstract

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Abstract Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of modified suture-bridge technique fixation for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial avulsion fracture. Method Minors who underwent arthroscopic reduction and modified suture bridge fixation of ACL tibial avulsion fracture between January 2018 and January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Postoperative MRI and X-ray examinations were performed to evaluate the presence of epiphyseal plate injury and fracture healing. Moreover, KT-1000 side-to-side difference, Lachman test, range of motion (ROM), the subjective Knee score of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm Knee score, and Tegner activity grade score were evaluated preoperatively and at the minimum 1-year follow-up visit. Results A total of 16 participants met the inclusion criteria. They had a mean age of 12.6 years (range, 9–16 years); mean time to surgery, 6.9 days (range, 2–13 days) and had a minimum of 12 months clinical follow-up (mean, 25.4 months; range, 12–36 months) after surgery. Postoperative radiographs and MRI showed no injury to the epiphyseal plate, optimal reduction immediately after the operation, and bone union within three months in all patients. All of the following showed significant improvements (pre- vs. postoperatively): mean KT-1000 side-to-side difference (8.6 vs. 1.5; p < 0.05), Lachman tests (2 grade 9 and 3 grade 7 vs. 0 grade 12 and 1 grade 4; p < 0.05), IKDC subjective score (48.3 vs. 95.0; p < 0.05), mean Lysholm score (53.9 vs. 92.2; p < 0.05), mean Tegner activity score (3.2 vs. 8.3; p < 0.05) and mean ROM (42.9°vs 133.1°; p < 0.05). Conclusion Arthroscopic reduction and modified suture bridge fixation for ACL tibial avulsion fracture is a dependable and recommended treatment that can effectively restore the stability and function of the knee and is worthy of clinical promotion.

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