[Effectiveness of Kirschner wire fixation for proximal phalangeal bone avulsion fracture caused by A2 circular trochlea injury of flexor digitorum tendon].

Objective: To explore the mechanism, surgical method, and effectiveness of proximal phalangeal bone avulsion fracture caused by A2 circular trochlea injury of the flexor digitorum tendon. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 4 patients with proximal phalangeal bone avulsion fracture caused by A2 circular trochlea injury of flexor digitorum tendon admitted between May 2018 and September 2022. The patients were all male, the age ranged from 26 to 52 years, with an average of 33 years. The injured fingers included 1 case of middle finger and 3 cases of ring finger. The causes of injury were rock climbing of 2 cases and carrying heavy objects of 2 cases. Preoperative anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films and CT examination of the fingers showed a lateral avulsion fracture of the proximal phalanx, with a fracture block length of 15-22 mm and a width of 3-5 mm. The total active range of motion (TAM) of the injured finger before operation was (148.75±10.11)°. The grip strength of the middle and ring fingers was (15.50±2.88) kg, which was significantly lower than that of the healthy side (50.50±7.93) kg ( t=-8.280, P<0.001). The time from injury to operation was 2-7 days, with an average of 3.5 days. One Kirschner wire with a diameter of 1.0 mm was used for direct fixation through the fracture block, while two Kirschner wires with a diameter of 1.0 mm were used for compression fixation against the fracture block. The fracture healing was observed, and the TAM of the injured finger and the grip strength of the middle and ring fingers were measured. The finger function was evaluated according to the upper limb functional assessment trial standards of the Chinese Medical Association Hand Surgery Society. Results: The incisions all healed by first intention after operation. All patients were followed up 6-28 months, with an average of 19 months. X-ray films showed that all avulsion fractures of proximal phalanx reached bony union, and the healing time ranged from 4 to 8 weeks, with an average of 4.6 weeks. At last follow-up, the grip strength of the middle and ring fingers was (50.50±7.76) kg, which significantly improved when compared with preoperative one ( t=-8.440, P<0.001). The TAM of the injured finger reached (265.50±2.08)°, and there was a significant difference when compared with preoperative one ( t=-21.235, P<0.001). According to the upper limb functional assessment trial standards of the Chinese Medical Association Hand Surgery Society, the finger function was all evaluated as excellent in 4 cases. Conclusion: Using Kirschner wire fixation through bone blocks and external compression fixation of bone blocks for treating proximal phalangeal bone avulsion fracture caused by A2 circular trochlear injury of the flexor digitorum tendon can achieve good effectiveness.

[Arthroscopic suspension fixation with Endobutton in treatment of tibial insertion avulsion fractures of posterior cruciate ligament].

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopic suspension fixation with Endobutton in the treatment of tibial insertion avulsion fractures of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 52 patients (52 knees) with tibial insertion avulsion fractures of PCL, who were treated by arthroscopic suspension fixation with Endobutton between June 2017 and October 2022. There were 29 males and 23 females, with an average age of 40.6 years (range, 19-66 years). There were 24 cases of traffic accident injuries, 17 cases of sports injuries, and 11 cases of fall injuries. The time from injury to operation ranged from 6 to 19 days (mean, 13.3 days). According to the Meyers-McKeever classification, there were 30 cases of type Ⅱ and 22 cases of type Ⅲ fractures. All patients exhibited positive posterior drawer test results. Preoperative knee joint function was assessed with Lysholm score (21.3±6.7), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score (20.7±5.8), and visual analogue scale (VAS) score (5.3±0.7); and knee joint range of motion was (41.73±3.17)°. Based on preoperative CT three-dimensional reconstruction measurements, the longitudinal diameter of the avulsed bone fragment ranged from 13 to 25 mm (mean, 18.1 mm). Operation time and occurrence of complications were recorded, and postoperative imaging was used to assess fracture healing. Knee joint function and pain severity were evaluated using knee joint range of motion, Lysholm score, IKDC score, and VAS score. Results: The operation time ranged from 46 to 81 minutes (mean, 56.2 minutes). All patients were followed up 12-28 months (mean, 20.1 months). The iatrogenic fractures of bone fragments occurred during operation in 4 cases; and knee effusion occurred in 2 cases and anterior knee pain in 1 case after operation. All incisions healed by first intention. Imaging evaluations at 3 months after operation showed the fracture healing and no internal fixation failure. All patients demonstrated good knee function and had returned to normal activities at 12 months after operation. At last follow-up, the knee joint range of motion was (133.44±4.17)°, Lysholm score 93.6±3.1, IKDC score 93.4±2.5, and VAS score 1.0±0.6, with significant differences compared to preoperative scores ( P<0.05). Conclusion: Arthroscopic suspension fixation with Endobutton in the treatment of tibial insertion avulsion fractures of PCL is simple to operate, and the knee joint function recovers well.

Morphology of Fibular Incisura is a Deciding Factor Between Posterior Malleolus Avulsion Fracture or Syndesmotic Ligament Injury in Ankle Fractures.

The bone anatomy of tibiofibular syndesmosis has been a topic of interest. Fibular incisura morphology has been analyzed on cadaver specimens, plain radiographs, or CT images. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of fibula incisura features and fibula morphology in ankle injuries, especially involving posterior malleolus and posteroinferior tibiofibular ligament injuries. From 2017 through 2022, A total of 59 patients with isolated lateral malleolar fracture, Mason-Malloy type 1 posterior malleolar fracture, syndesmosis injury in those without posterior malleolar fracture, supination external rotation type 3 injuries according to Lauge-Hansen classification, and preoperative bilateral ankle computed tomography images were included in the study. Fibula morphologies and syndesmosis measurements were made from preoperative computed tomography images using axial CT images from 1 cm proximal to the tibial plafond. The diagnosis of posterior malleolar fractures was made using the CT classification system of Mason and Malloy, and the diagnosis of syndesmosis injury was made with a cotton test during surgery. Age, gender, fractured side, incisura type, incisor depth, width, anterior and posterior facet lengths, incisor version (antevert-retrovert), the angle between the anterior and posterior facets, and fibula type were recorded. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in posterior facet length and incisura width. Morphological features of fibular incisura may be the determinant of PITFL injury or PMA injury in fibular fractures caused by an external rotation mechanism.

Patterns of Anterior Inferior Tibiofibular Ligament Avulsion Fracture Accompanied by Ankle Fracture.

The anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) avulsion fracture accompanying an ankle fracture can compromise ankle stability, necessitating accurate evaluation and a clear understanding of its pathophysiology.. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between AITFL avulsion fracture and Lauge-Hansen, Wagstaffe classification. A retro-prospective study was conducted at a university-affiliated tertiary care medical center. We selected 128 patients who underwent surgery at our institution between January 2013 and July 2017 and analyzed the association between AITFL avulsion fracture and the foot position. According to the modified Wagstaffe classification system, there were 39 cases of type II, followed by 9 cases of type III and 8 cases of type IV. Of the7 pronation-abduction fractures, 3 were AITFL avulsion fracture (43%), while of the 21 pronation-external rotation fractures, 9 were AITFL avulsion fracture (43%). Of the 95 supination-external rotation fractures, there were 56 cases (59%) of AITFL avulsion fractures. Of the pronation fractures, 0% were fibular avulsion fractures and 43% were tibial avulsion fractures. Of the supination fractures, 44% were fibular avulsion fractures and 16% were tibial avulsion fracture. The difference in the ratio of fibular to tibial avulsion fractures between pronation and supination fractures was significant (p < .001). These results suggest that tibial avulsion fractures of type IV in the modified Wagstaffe classification and pronation fractures occur due to collision with the anterolateral corners of the distal bone when the talus externally rotates. Moreover, in cases of pronation fractures, a new type of AITFL avulsion fracture has been observed.

Avulsion fracture is associated with more pain after anatomic repair procedure for ATFL injury at the talar side.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of anatomic repair procedure for chronic anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury at the talar side, and to compare the outcomes between patients with and without concomitant avulsion fractures. It was hypothesized that anatomic repair procedure could produce similarly satisfactory outcomes for those two groups. METHODS: Thirty-nine consecutive patients with chronic ATFL injuries at the talar side who underwent anatomic repair procedure at the department of sports medicine at Peking University Third Hospital between 2013 and 2018, were retrospectively evaluated. The pain visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Tegner score, and Foot & Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) were recorded as the primary outcomes. Time to return to sports (RTS), surgical satisfaction, deficiency of ankle range of motion (ROM), recurrent sprain, and postoperative complications were recorded as the secondary outcomes. Outcomes were compared between patients with (Group A, 16 cases) and without (Group B, 23 cases) concomitant avulsion fractures. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 79.4 ± 17.0 and 76.6 ± 18.5 months for Group A and B, respectively. VAS, AOFAS, Tegner, FAOS, and all subscale scores of FAOS were significantly improved in both groups at the final follow up. Patients in group A had inferior postoperative VAS, AOFAS, FAOS, and pain score of FAOS compared to group B (1.1 ± 1.1 vs. 0.4 ± 0.5, 89.1 ± 10.1 vs. 95.2 ± 5.2, 87.2 ± 7.2 vs. 91.5 ± 4.1, and 88.4 ± 11.3 vs. 96.7 ± 3.5, respectively).The mean time to RTS, rate of satisfaction and recurrent sprain had no significant differences between group A and B (6.1 ± 2.8, 93.8%, and 18.8% vs. 5.2 ± 2.2, 100.0%, and 13.0%, respectively), and the rate of ROM deficiency was significantly higher in group A (37.5 vs. 8.7%). Avulsion fracture was identified as an independent risk factor for inferior pain score of FAOS. CONCLUSION: Anatomic repair procedure for chronic ATFL injuries at the talar side produces favourable results for patients with and without avulsion fractures at 5 to 10 years follow-up, however, avulsion fracture is associated with more pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

[Treatment of tibial insertion avulsion fracture of anterior cruciate ligament involving anterior root of lateral meniscus with multi-point fixation with anchor and suture].

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopic multi-point fixation with anchor and suture in the treatment of tibial insertion avulsion fracture of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) involving the anterior root of lateral meniscus (LM). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 28 patients with tibial insertion avulsion fracture of ACL involving the anterior root of LM who were treated with arthroscopic multi-point fixation with anchor and suture between October 2017 and January 2023. There were 12 males and 16 females with the mean age of 26 years (range, 13-57 years). There were 20 cases of sports injury and 8 cases of traffic accident injury. In 2 cases of old fracture, the time from injury to operation was 45 days and 90 days, respectively; in 26 cases of fresh fracture, the time from injury to operation was 3-20 days (mean, 6.7 days). According to the Meyers-McKeever classification, there were 4 cases of type Ⅱ, 11 cases of type Ⅲ, and 13 cases of type Ⅳ. The preoperative Lysholm knee function score was 42.1±9.0, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was 40.0±7.3, and the Tegner score was 0.7±0.7. Results: All operations were successfully completed, and the incisions healed by first intention. All the 28 patients were followed up 5-60 months (mean, 20.4 months). During the follow-up, there was nocomplication such as infection, vascular or nerve injury, loosening or breakage of internal fixator, or stiffness of knee joint. Postoperative X-ray films showed satisfactory fracture reduction and firm fixation. All fractures healed clinically, and the healing time was 8-16 weeks (mean, 10.3 weeks). At last follow-up, Lachman test and anterior drawer test were negative. At last follow-up, Lysholm knee function score was 92.4±5.5, IKDC score was 91.6±4.4, and Tegner score was 5.2±1.1, which significantly improved when compared with preoperative scores ( t=-22.899, P<0.001; t=-29.870, P<0.001; t=-19.979, P<0.001). Conclusion: Multi-point fixation with anchor and suture in the treatment of tibial insertion avulsion fracture of ACL involving the anterior root of LM can not only fix the LM, but also effectively reduce and fix the avulsion fracture, which can obtain good effectiveness.

[Effectiveness on treatment of metacarpal avulsion fracture with Kirschner wire buckling combined with bone fixation].

Objective: To summarize the effectiveness of Kirschner wire buckling combined with bone fixation in the treatment of metacarpal avulsion fracture. Methods: The clinical data of 35 patients of metacarpal avulsion fracture admitted between March 2017 and June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 22 males and 13 females; the age ranged from 20 to 55 years, with an average of 31.6 years. There were 17 cases of the second metacarpal avulsion fracture, 6 cases of the fourth metacarpal avulsion fracture, and 12 cases of the fifth metacarpal avulsion fracture. The causes of injury included 21 cases of strangulation, 8 cases of sprain, and 6 cases of sports injury. X-ray film examination showed that the size of the avulsion fracture of metacarpal bone ranged from 0.30 cm×0.20 cm to 0.55 cm×0.45 cm. The total active motion (TAM) of the injured finger before operation was (154.00±17.38)°. The time from injury to operation was 3-10 days, with an average of 5.8 days. Follow-up regularly after operation, X-ray film and CT examination were performed to evaluate fracture healing and TAM of injured finger was measured. The finger function was evaluated by the trial standard of upper limb function evaluation of Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association. Results: All the incisions healed by first intention. All 35 patients were followed up 9-36 months, with an average of 28 months. All metacarpal avulsion fractures achieved bony healing, and the healing time was 4-6 weeks, with an average of 4.8 weeks. The metacarpophalangeal joint of the patient was stable, without stiffness, and the flexion and extension activities were good. At last follow-up, the TAM of the injured finger reached (261.88±6.23)°, which was significantly different from that before operation ( t=-35.351, P<0.001). The finger function was evaluated according to the trial standard of upper limb function evaluation of the Society of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, and 33 cases were excellent and 2 cases were good, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. Conclusion: The treatment of metacarpal avulsion fracture with Kirschner wire buckling combined with bone fixation has the advantages of less trauma, firm fixation, and less interference to the soft tissue around metacarpophalangeal joints, which is a good alternative method for the metacarpal avulsion fracture.

The degree of fracture reduction does not compromise the clinical efficacy of arthroscopic reduction and fixation of tibial posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures: A retrospective study.

This study aimed to explore the postoperative outcomes of patients who underwent arthroscopic internal fixation with repositioning sutures for the treatment of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fractures with poorly reduced fracture fragments. It was hypothesized that improperly repositioned fracture fragments might not influence the postoperative clinical outcomes in patients with PCL avulsion fractures treated by arthroscopic sutures. From January 2020 to December 2021, patients admitted to our hospital with PCL avulsion fractures were evaluated. Our inclusion criteria were as follows: diagnosis of PCL avulsion fracture as Meyers & McKeever Type II or Type III; underwent arthroscopic double tunnel suture fixation; and age below 70. Of the patients meeting these criteria, data from 34 individuals were collected by a designated follow-up officer. Based on postoperative imaging, the patients were divided into 2 groups: well fracture reduction and poor fracture reduction groups. Prior to the surgery, the Lysholm score, knee mobility, and international knee documentation committee (IKDC score) were recorded for both groups. At the 3-month post-surgery mark, CT-3D reconstruction was performed. Statistical analysis was conducted on the collected data. For data that conformed to a normal distribution, the t test was applied. For data that didn't conform, we used a non-parametric test. Both groups achieved successful wound healing without encountering any adverse events, such as fracture nonunion infection. Fracture healing was observed in both groups at the 3-month postoperative mark. The average follow-up duration was 13.24 ± 6.18 months. There were no significant differences in Lysholm score, IKDC score, or knee mobility between the well- and poorly-reduced groups at the final follow-up (P > .05). Postoperatively, both groups demonstrated significant improvements in knee function compared to the preoperative scores, with statistically significant differences observed in Lysholm score, IKDC score, and knee mobility (P < .05). Arthroscopic fixation with double-tunnel sutures proved to be a highly effective treatment approach for PCL avulsion fractures, even in cases where the fractures were poorly reduced. Remarkably, there were no significant differences observed in postoperative knee function between the well- and poorly-reduced groups, indicating that both groups achieved favorable outcomes.

Inferior scapula avulsion fracture: an unusual presentation of winged scapula.

Inferior scapula avulsion fractures are rare injuries, with few cases reported and only a small number managed operatively discussed in the literature. We report the case of a man in his 40s who fell from a height and presented with right-sided scapular winging and point tenderness at the inferior pole of his right scapula with no neurological deficit. Radiographs and CT diagnosed avulsion fracture of the inferior scapula. The patient underwent surgical fixation and, following a course of physiotherapy, successfully recovered with no residual winging and full range of movement.

Posterior Cruciate Ligament Femoral Avulsion Fractures in Pediatric Patients: A Report of 2 Interesting Surgical Cases.

CASE: This report describes 2 cases of femoral-sided posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion injuries. A 10-year-old male patient presented with a chronic nonunion of a bony PCL femoral avulsion. In addition, a 4-year-old boy presented with an acute, displaced PCL femoral avulsion off the medial femoral condyle. Both injuries were repaired using arthroscopic techniques. CONCLUSION: Femoral-sided PCL avulsions are very rare in pediatric patients and have not been reported often. We hope to increase the awareness of PCL femoral avulsion injuries in pediatric patients by describing 2 unique cases.

Type V Tibial Tubercle Avulsion Fracture with Suspected Complication of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Case Report.

Background and Objectives: Type V tibial tubercle avulsion fractures are extremely rare; therefore, information on them remains limited. Furthermore, although these fractures are intra-articular, to the best of our knowledge, there are no reports on their assessment via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or arthroscopy. Accordingly, this is the first report to describe the case of a patient undergoing detailed evaluation via MRI and arthroscopy. Case Presentation: A 13-year-old male adolescent athlete jumped while playing basketball, experienced discomfort and pain at the front of his knee, and fell down. He was transported to the emergency room by ambulance after he was unable to walk. The radiographic examination revealed a Type Ⅴ tibial tubercle avulsion fracture that was displaced. In addition, an MRI scan revealed a fracture line extending to the attachment of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL); moreover, high MRI intensity and swelling due to ACL were observed, suggesting an ACL injury. On day 4 of the injury, open reduction and internal fixation were performed. Furthermore, 4 months after surgery, bone fusion was confirmed, and metal removal was performed. Simultaneously, an MRI scan obtained at the time of injury revealed findings suggestive of ACL injury; therefore, an arthroscopy was performed. Notably, no parenchymal ACL injury was observed, and the meniscus was intact. The patient returned to sports 6 months postoperatively. Conclusion: Type V tibial tubercle avulsion fractures are known to be extremely rare. Based on our report, we suggest that MRI should be performed without hesitation if intra-articular injury is suspected.

[A comparative study of absorbable screw fixation and absorbable screw combined with suture anchor fixation in treatment of avulsion fracture of posterior cruciate ligament at tibial insertion of knee joint].

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of open reduction of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fracture at tibial insertion of knee joint with absorbable screws fixation and absorbable screw combined with suture anchor fixation. Methods: The clinical data of 26 patients with PCL avulsion fracture at tibial insertion who met the selection criteria between March 2015 and October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 14 patients were fixed with simple absorbable screw (group A), and 12 patients were fixed with absorbable screw combined with suture anchors (group B). All patients were confirmed by X-ray film, CT, or MRI preoperatively, and got positive results in preoperative posterior drawer tests. There was no significant difference in gender, age, side of affected limb, time from injury to operation, comorbidities, and preoperative Meyers & McKeever classification, Lysholm score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time and postoperative complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. At last follow-up, Lysholm score and IKDC score were used to evaluate the improvement of knee function. Results: There was no significant difference in operation time between the two groups ( P>0.05). All incisions healed by first intention, and no complication such as vascular and nerve injury or venous thrombosis occurred. All 26 patients were followed up 9-89 months, with an average of 55.3 months. The follow-up time of group A and group B was (55.7±23.2) and (56.8±29.3) months, respectively, with no significant difference ( t=-0.106, P=0.916). Radiographs showed bone healing in both groups at 3 months after operation, and no complication such as infection and traumatic arthritis occurred. At last follow-up, the posterior drawer test was negative in both groups, and the Lysholm score and IKDC score significantly improved when compared with the pre-operative values ( P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the improvement value between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion: For PCL avulsion fracture at tibial insertion of the knee joint, the open reduction and absorbable screw combined with suture anchor fixation can achieve reliable fracture reduction and fixation, which is conducive to the early rehabilitation and functional exercise, and the postoperative functional recovery of the knee joint is satisfactory.

The effect of posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fracture on functional outcomes in knees with concomitant ipsilateral lower limb fractures: a matched-cohort analysis.

BACKGROUND: At present, the optimal treatment for posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fracture (PCLTAF) combined with concomitant ipsilateral lower limb fractures remains unclear. The present study aimed to assess the preliminary outcomes of treatment for PCLTAF with concomitant ipsilateral lower limb fractures by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of patients who sustained PCLTAF with concomitant ipsilateral lower limb fractures between March 2015 and February 2019 and underwent treatment at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Imaging examinations performed at the time of injury were applied to identify concomitant ipsilateral lower limb fractures. We used 1:2 matching between patients with PCLTAF combined with concomitant ipsilateral lower limb fractures (combined group; n = 11) and those with isolated PCLTAF (isolated group; n = 22). Outcome data were collected, including the range of motion (ROM) and visual analogue scale (VAS), Tegner, Lysholm, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores. At the final follow-up, the clinical outcomes were compared between the combined and isolated groups and between patients who underwent early-stage surgery and those who underwent delayed treatment for PCLTAF. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients (26 males, 7 females) were included in this study, with eleven patients having PCLTAF and concomitant ipsilateral lower limb fractures and a follow-up of 3.1 to 7.4 years (average, 4.8 years). Compared to patients in the isolated group, patients in the combined group demonstrated significantly worse Lysholm scores (85.7 ± 5.8 vs. 91.5 ± 3.9, p = 0.040), Tegner scores (4.4 ± 0.9 vs. 5.4 ± 0.8, p = 0.006), and IKDC scores (83.6 ± 9.3 vs. 90.5 ± 3.0, p = 0.008). Inferior outcomes were found in patients with delayed treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Inferior results were found in patients with concomitant ipsilateral lower limb fractures, while better outcomes were obtained in patients with PCLTAF through early-stage ORIF using the posteromedial approach. The present findings may help determine the prognoses of patients with PCLTAF combined with concomitant ipsilateral lower limb fractures treated through early-stage ORIF.

Arthroscopic fixation of chronic bicruciate tibial avulsion fractures: A case report.

A cruciate ligament avulsion is a much less common form of injury than a cruciate ligament tear. Simultaneous tibial avulsion fractures of both cruciate ligaments occur even more rarely. Over the last decades, many studies have described arthroscopic fixation of acute cruciate tibial avulsion fractures, but arthroscopic treatment in a late presenting patient has not been reported in the literature. This case report presents a 32-year-old female with a chronic tibial avulsion fracture of both anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament. Simultaneous fixation of both fractures was performed arthroscopically at week four post-injury. At one year of follow-up, the patient had demonstrated full knee range of motion and stable knee with no complaints, and achieved excellent clinical outcomes. Radiographs showed union of both fractures, and the patient had resumed high-impact exercises.

Intraoperative avulsion fracture of the intercondylar eminence in Oxford mobile-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: Case report.

BACKGROUND: Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) can provide good postoperative results and long term survival, but there may be complications. We present a rare case of avulsion fracture of the intercondylar eminence during UKA surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: An 88-year-old man had right-knee pain with anteromedial osteoarthritis. Oxford partial knee UKA (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN) was performed by the senior author by the under-vastus approach using Microplasty instruments. During the final check of the range of motion, an avulsion fracture of the intercondylar eminence occurred at the terminal extension. A 4.0 mm cannulated cancellous screw was inserted into the intercondylar eminence from just in front of the anterior cruciate ligament to the posterior tibial cortex. Six months postoperatively, bony fusion was confirmed by lateral radiography. Two years after the surgery, the patient was fully satisfied. The flexion angle was 125°, but still with an extension limit of 10°. DISCUSSION: Avulsion fracture of the intercondylar eminence can be caused by hyperextension and/or the ACL becoming tighter in full extension of the knee. In this patient, avulsion fracture also probably occurred due to increased tension of the ACL in the fully extended position. After making the horizontal cut, we inserted a thin metal plate to prevent deeper vertical cuts, but an excessive horizontal cut was a possible cause of the fracture. As treatment for avulsion fracture of the intercondylar eminence, fixation of the cannulated cancellous screw resulted in uneventful bone fusion. We recommend having a cannulated cancellous screw at hand for such complications and for other potential intraoperative problems, such as tibial plateau fracture. Further investigation into limited postoperative extension might be needed. CONCLUSION: Our patient had intraoperative avulsion fracture of the intercondylar eminence, a relatively rare complication of Oxford UKA which is probably caused by the extension being tight and/or an excessive horizontal cut. Having a cannulated cancellous screw at hand is advised, and attention should be paid to postoperative limit of extension.

Adjustable-loop cortical suspension device for posterolateral corner reconstruction in the setting of fibular avulsion fracture: a case series and novel technique description.

INTRODUCTION: A novel technique using an adjustable-loop cortical suspension toggle device for reduction of a fibular head avulsion fracture (arcuate fracture) in posterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction is described. Results of clinical follow-up are presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 9 patients were retrospectively identified who underwent posterolateral corner reconstruction using an adjustable-loop cortical suspension toggle device. Radiographic examination was used to evaluate the successful healing of the avulsed fibular head fragments post-operatively. RESULTS: 7 patients reported satisfactory results with their clinical outcome with no feelings of knee instability or objective instability on exam at final follow-up. Post-operative radiographs obtained > 6 months following reconstruction demonstrated well reduced and healed fracture in 5 of 6 patients, with 1 patient demonstrating maintained reduction but incomplete fracture union at 6 months. CONCLUSION: This novel surgical technique for PLC reconstruction with an avulsed fibular head fracture is a viable alternative to previously described methods. The majority of patients report subjective satisfaction with a stable knee post-operatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

A New Arthroscopic Tightrope Suture-Button Fixation Procedure for Tibial Eminence Avulsion Fracture.

This case-series outcome study presents a new arthroscopic technique for tibial eminence avulsion fracture (TEAF) with double-tunnel using two tightrope suture buttons. From May 2017 to July 2020, we performed a new arthroscopic technique for TEAF with double tunnels, using two tightrope suture buttons on 13 patients. Clinical assessments included anterior drawer, Lachman, and pivot shift tests, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm knee scores, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and range of motion (ROM). An independent observer noted conditions before surgery and during the last follow-up. The patients had an average follow-up of 26.2 months, ranging from 15 to 37 months. During the last postsurgical follow-up, the anterior drawer, Lachman, and pivot shift tests were negative in all the cases. According to the IKDC, Lysholm, and VAS final scores, all patients presented a significant knee function improvement at last follow-ups compared with preoperatively. The study shows that satisfactory results about an anatomic reduction of the fragment, knee stability, function, and strength can be achieved with the new arthroscopic technique for TEAF with double tunnels using two tightrope suture buttons. This study is a therapeutic case series and its level of evidence is IV.

Delayed Repair of a Lesser Tuberosity Avulsion Fracture in an Adolescent 3 Years After Initial Injury.

This case study examines an adolescent athlete who had an avulsion fracture of the lesser tuberosity of the humerus. This is a relatively rare injury, although a collection of case studies have identified an increase in this type of injury in the past 15 years. Uniquely, the patient experienced a delay in appropriate diagnosis for approximately 3 years from the time of his initial injury. This is one of the most significant delays in diagnosis and treatment in the current body of literature regarding lesser tuberosity fractures. The authors include a detailed series of imaging studies, including preoperative plain radiographs, preoperative computed tomography, intraoperative arthroscopic images, and postoperative plain radiographs. In addition, a thorough description of the patient's surgery is presented. The degree of scarring to the axillary nerve present in this patient required conversion to a full open reduction. The authors' aim is that this case can be used as a reference for future surgical decision making, particularly in pediatric patients whose injuries are highly chronic or who are actively involved in athletic physical training programs. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(3):e189-e192.].