Comparative clinical efficacy of “Figure-8” Banding and double-row anchor suture-bridge fixation in arthroscopic management of tibial intercondylar eminence avulsion fractures

Abstract

Abstract Objective The objective of this study is to assess and compare the clinical efficacy of “Figure-8” banding and double-row anchor suture-bridge fixation techniques in the arthroscopic management of tibial intercondylar eminence avulsion fractures. Method A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 42 patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery for tibial intercondylar eminence fractures at our institution from June 2017 to June 2022. This cohort included 20 cases treated with “Figure-8” banding and 22 cases managed using double-row anchor suture-bridge fixation. Comparative assessments were made regarding operative duration, duration of fracture consolidation, postoperative knee joint range of motion, joint stability as assessed by the Lachman test, Lysholm score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) functional score for both treatment groups. Results The mean follow-up duration was 13.8 months. The analysis indicated that the double-row anchor suture-bridge group had a significantly longer operative duration compared to the “Figure-8” banding group (p 0.05). By the one-year postoperative mark, joint stability outcomes were comparable between the two treatment groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion Both “Figure-8” banding and double-row anchor suture-bridge fixation techniques in the arthroscopic management of tibial intercondylar eminence avulsion fractures can achieve precise reduction and stable fixation. In addition, the figure-8 suture group has the characteristics of shorter surgery time and less cost. Notably, early postoperative knee function appears to be superior with double-row anchor suture-bridge fixation compared to “Figure-8” banding.

Keywords

• Arthroscopy
• Fracture fixation
• Suture anchor
• Suture techniques
• Tibial intercondylar eminence fractures