Meniscal injuries in skeletally immature children with tibial eminence fractures. Systematic review of literature.

PURPOSE: Although the mechanisms of injury are similar to ACL rupture in adults, publications dealing with meniscal lesions resulting from fractures of the intercondylar eminence in children are much rarer. The main objective was to measure the frequency of meniscal lesions associated with tibial eminence fractures in children. The second question was to determine whether there is any available evidence on association between meniscal tears diagnostic method, and frequencies of total lesions, total meniscal lesions, and total entrapments. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed and Scopus. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they reported data on intercondylar tibial fracture, or tibial spine fracture, or tibial eminence fracture, or intercondylar eminence fracture. Article selection was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: In total, 789 studies were identified by the literature search. At the end of the process, 26 studies were included in the final review. This systematic review identified 18.1% rate of meniscal tears and 20.1% rate of meniscal or IML entrapments during intercondylar eminence fractures. Proportion of total entrapments was significantly different between groups (17.8% in the arthroscopy group vs. 6.2% in the MRI group; p < .0001). Also, we found 20.9% of total associated lesions in the arthroscopy group vs. 26.1% in the MRI group (p = .06). CONCLUSION: Although incidence of meniscal injuries in children tibial eminence fractures is lower than that in adults ACL rupture, pediatric meniscal tears and entrapments need to be systematically searched. MRI does not appear to provide additional information about the entrapment risk if arthroscopy treatment is performed. However, pretreatment MRI provides important informations about concomitant injuries, such as meniscal tears, and should be mandatory if orthopaedic treatment is retained. MRI modalities have yet to be specified to improve the diagnosis of soft tissues entrapments. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of the literature REGISTRATION: PROSPERO N° CRD42021258384.

MRI evaluation of pediatric tibial eminence fractures: comparison between conventional and "CT-like" ultrashort echo time (UTE) images.

OBJECTIVE: UTE MRI offers a radiation-free alternative to CT for bone depiction, but data on children is lacking. The purpose of this study was to determine whether UTE images improve detection and characterization of pediatric tibial eminence fractures. METHODS: Fifteen MRIs with UTE from 12 children (10 boys, 2 girls; mean age: 12.6 ± 3.3 years) with tibial eminence fractures (2018-2020) and 15 age-matched MRIs without fractures were included. After randomization, 5 readers reviewed images without and with UTE, at least 1 month apart, and recorded the presence of fracture and preferred images. If fracture is present, radiologists also recorded fragment size, number, and displacement; surgeons assigned Meyers-McKeever grade and management. Disagreements on management were resolved through consensus review. Kappa and intra-class correlation (ICC), sensitivity, and specificity were used to compare agreement between readers and fracture detection between images without and with UTE. RESULTS: For fracture detection, inter-reader agreement was almost perfect (κ-range: 0.91-0.93); sensitivity and specificity were equivalent between images without and with UTE (range: 95-100%). For fracture characterization, UTE improved agreement on size (ICC = 0.88 to 0.93), number (ICC = 0.52 to 0.94), displacement (ICC = 0.74 to 0.86), and grade (ICC = 0.92 to 0.93) but reduced agreement on management (κ = 0.68 to 0.61), leading to a change in consensus management in 20% (3/15). Radiologists were more likely to prefer UTE for fracture and conventional images for non-fracture cases (77% and 77%, respectively, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: While UTE did not improve diagnosis, it improved agreement on characterization of pediatric tibial eminence fractures, ultimately changing the preferred treatment in 20%.

Incidence of anterior tibial spine fracture among skiers does not differ with age.

PURPOSE: Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is common in alpine skiing in the form of either an intra-substance ACL tear or anterior tibial spine fracture (ATSF). Anterior tibial spine fractures are typically reported in children. However, several case reports describe these injuries in adults while skiing. The purpose of this study is to describe the sport specific incidence of ATSF in alpine skiing. METHODS: The study was conducted over a 22-year period. Skiers who suffered an ATSF were identified and radiographs were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis. Additionally, control data from intra-substance ACL injury groups were collected. The incidence of these injuries in children, adolescents, and adults (grouped as ages 0-10, 11-16, and 17 + years old, respectively) was evaluated and the risk factors for ATSF versus ACL tear were determined. RESULTS: There were 1688 intra-substance ACL and 51 ATSF injuries. The incidence of intra-substance ACL injury was greater in adults (40.0 per 100,000 skier days) compared to the adolescent (15.4 per 100,000) and child (1.1 per 100,000) age groups. In contrast, the incidence of ATSF was similar in the adult (0.9 per 100,000), adolescent (1.9 per 100,000), and child (1.9 per 100,000) age groups. Loose ski boot fit was identified as a risk factor for ATSF. CONCLUSION: The incidence of ATSF in alpine skiers is similar among all age groups. However, the incidence of intra-substance ACL injuries is far greater in adult skiers compared to adolescents and children. Risk factors for ATSF relate to compliance between the foot/ankle and the ski boot. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Reliable ligamentous stability and high return-to-sport rates after arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation of tibial eminence fractures.

PURPOSE: To investigate functional and clinical outcomes, and physical activity after arthroscopic suture fixation of tibial eminence fractures with regard to postoperative stability, range of motion (ROM), complications, and return to sports. METHODS: Patients undergoing arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) of tibial eminence fractures using a suture fixation technique were included. Outcome was evaluated retrospectively after a minimum follow-up of 24 months using KT-1000 arthrometer measurements, clinical examination, outcome scores (Lysholm score, Tegner Activity Scale), and a questionnaire about sport activities. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients (44% male, 57% female) with a mean age of 25 ± 15 years were included. Mean follow-up was 57 ± 25 months. KT-1000 arthrometer measurements of anterior tibial translation revealed a mean side-to-side difference of 0.9 ± 1.0 mm. Clinical examination showed 100% normal or nearly normal anterior translation of the tibia. Two patients (9%) received an ACL reconstruction due to traumatic ACL re-instability and were, therefore, considered as failures. An extension deficit concerning hyperextension occurred in 29% of patients postoperatively. Further postoperative complications occurred in 14% of patients and included postoperative stiffness with ROM limitations and secondary dislocation of a fragment. Mean postoperative Lysholm score was 89 ± 14. Comparing pre- and postoperative values, no significant change of the Tegner Activity Scale was observed. All patients (failures excluded) returned to high impact sports activities after ARIF. CONCLUSION: Excellent reliable ligamentous stability and high rates of return to high impact sports can be expected after ARIF using a suture fixation technique for type II-IV tibial eminence fractures. Complications, such as limitations in ROM, commonly occur in up to 30% after ARIF. Therefore, regular follow-up examinations remain important in this usually young patient cohort. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Better functional outcomes for ORIF in tibial eminence fracture treatment: a national comparative multicentric study of ORIF vs ARIF.

PURPOSE: Tibial eminence fractures can occur in adults and are equivalent to an acute ACL rupture. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the therapeutic outcomes of ARIF versus ORIF in tibial eminence fractures. Our hypothesis was that ARIF does not offer better results. METHODS: A retrospective national multicentric study was conducted in five university hospitals between 2010 and 2015. A total of 65 consecutive patients were included. 33 patients were treated with ARIF and 32 with ORIF. Clinical functional outcomes were assessed using the Lysholm score and IKDC score. Radiographic findings were recorded, and a statistical analysis carried out. RESULTS: IKDC score at the mean last follow-up of 68.8 ± 11.8 months was significantly higher in the ORIF group with a mean difference of 20.2 points ± 8.9 (p = 0.028). There were early osteoarthritis findings in 12 patients (18.4%). At last follow-up, 7 patients (10.7%) presented complications. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective multicentric study, better functional outcomes were observed in the ORIF group. This difference needs to be carefully interpreted as many confounding factors exist. In terms of complications, the results for both ORIF and ARIF are similar at midterm follow-up. ORIF should remain gold standard for tibial eminence fracture treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopically assisted cannulated screw fixation for tibial eminence fracture in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and complications of arthroscopically assisted reduction and fixation with cannulated screws for tibial eminence fracture in skeletally immature patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series study. Forty-eight patients who were skeletally immature at the time of tibial eminence fracture were treated in a tertiary children's hospital between May 2004 and August 2015. Twenty-one patients were excluded due to non-operative treatment (n = 10), other surgical treatments (n = 9), multiple fracture (n = 1), and follow-up < 1 year (n = 1). Twenty-seven knees of 27 patients were analyzed. Avulsed fragment was reduced arthroscopically. One to three cannulated screws (4.0 mm or 5.0 mm in diameter) were used for fixation. Passive knee motion was started in 3-4 weeks. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by Lysholm score, instability of the knee, and complications. Radiological outcomes including nonunion and malunion of the avulsed fragment and physeal growth disturbance were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean age at the time of surgery was 10.1 years (range, 6.2 to 13.8 years). Patients were followed up for a mean of 3.9 years (range, 1.0 to 7.6 years). Fracture types included type III (n = 13), type II (n = 12), and type IV (n = 2) according to Zaricznyj modification of Meyers and McKeever classification. Meniscus was entrapped in five patients. Six patients showed concomitant meniscal tear. Mean Lysholm score at the latest follow-up was 95 (range, 78 to 100). Joint instability was not observed in any patient except one (instability of 5-10 mm). All patients showed full range of knee motion except one (10 degrees of flexion contracture). Screw head impingement against intercondylar notch of the femur was observed in two patients during screw removal procedure. Five knees showed prominent tibial eminence without symptoms. The injured lower limb was longer than the contralateral normal side by a mean of 6.2 mm (range, - 4 to 18 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopically assisted reduction and fixation with cannulated screws is an effective and safe surgical option for treating tibial eminence fracture with few complications.

Cartilaginous tibial eminence fractures in children: which recommendations for management of this new entity?

PURPOSE: Cartilaginous tibial eminence fracture (CTEF) is a new pattern of ACL rupture in children under the age of nine. MRI signs have been recently reported, but no series gave information about outcomes. It was hypothesized that primary treatment gave better results than delayed management due to frequent misdiagnosis. METHOD: This retrospective study focused on 15 patients, managed acutely (n = 7) or delayed (n = 8). The patients' median age at the time of initial injury was 6.5 years (range 5-9). Lysholm, IKDC 2000 subjective scores, and the measurement of the residual laxity by a side-to-side difference with a KT-1000 junior arthrometer were used at the time of revision. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 9.8 years (range 1-18.5), the mean Lysholm and IKDC subjective scores were, respectively, 97.7 ± 2.6 and 97 ± 3.4. The median residual laxity was 2 mm (range 0-4). Non-operative treatment lead to 2 failures: intermeniscal ligament entrapment and combined avulsion fracture at the femoral site. Suture fixation of the avulsed fragment allows regularly good results when performed acutely or even 4 years after the injury. The hypothesis that primary treatment gives better result than delayed treatment tends to be wrong as 2 failures were reported in each group. An ACL reconstruction was performed in 3 out of the 4 treatment failures. Progressive resorption of the avulsed fragment was noticed in 3 of the 4 failures suggesting an associated ACL resorption. CONCLUSION: CTEF has a good prognosis even after misdiagnosis and treatment at the time of non-union; this could be due to low-energy mechanism of injury and low rate of associated lesion. Orthopaedic treatment for acute minimally displaced fractures is only indicated under strict MRI control, and suture fixation is the recommended strategy in other situations. Conservative management of non-union could expose to ACL involution and cannot be recommended. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective case series, Level IV.

Absorbable and non-absorbable suture fixation results in similar outcomes for tibial eminence fractures in children and adolescents.

PURPOSE: To evaluate efficacy and safety of extraphyseal tibial eminence avulsion fracture repair with absorbable sutures and a distal bone bridge fixation in comparison to previously described technique with non-absorbable sutures and distal screw fixation. METHODS: In a physeal-sparing technique, tibial eminence fractures (n = 25; McKeever type II/III n = 11/14) were either treated in group A (n = 15, follow-up 28.1 months) using an absorbable suture fixed over a bone bridge or in group B (n = 10, follow-up 47.4 months) with a non-absorbable suture wrapped around an extraarticular tibial screw. IKDC and Lysholm scores were assessed, and the difference between the surgical and contralateral knee in anteroposterior (AP) translation, measured with a Rolimeter. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between group A and group B in IKDC and Lysholm scores with 90.1 points ± 10.2 and 94.1 points ± 8.1, respectively (n.s.). AP translation did not differ between groups (n.s.). Eight of ten screws in group B had to be removed in a second intervention. A total of four arthrofibroses were counted (three in group A). CONCLUSION: Extraphyseal tibial eminence repair with absorbable sutures and a distal bone bridge fixation results in similar rates of radiographic and clinical healing at 3 months after surgery as non-absorbable sutures tied around a screw, while avoiding the need for hardware removal. The minimal invasive technique to fix an eminence fracture without any permanent sutures or hardware is advantageous for children. To our knowledge, this is the first study that compares non-absorbable with absorbable sutures for a physeal-sparing technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Suture Versus Headless Screw Fixation for Tibial Eminence Fractures in Children.

BACKGROUND: Suture and screw fixations are widely used to treat tibial eminence fractures (TEFs). Although a few biomechanical and clinical studies have compared suture fixation (SF) and screw fixation in the treatment of TEFs in children, no comparative clinical studies are available regarding headless screw fixation (HSF). PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of children with TEF who underwent SF and HSF. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: The study included 24 patients treated with either SF (11 patients) or HSF (13 patients) within 1 month of TEF (type 2 or 3) without associated ligamentous and bone injury between 2015 and 2020. All patients were evaluated at a minimum 2-year follow-up in terms of Lysholm score, Tegner activity level, International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score, and isometric strength test. Knee stability was compared based on the Lachman test, pivot-shift test, and KT-1000 arthrometer side-to-side difference. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of Lysholm score, Tegner activity level, and International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score at follow-up. All patients were able to resume their daily activities within 6 months after the injury. However, flexion deficits (6°-10°) were found in 2 patients in the SF group and 1 patient in the HSF group, and extension deficits (3°-5°) were found in 3 patients in the SF group and 1 patient in the HSF group, without significant intergroup difference. Stability based on the Lachman test, pivot-shift test, and KT-1000 arthrometer side-to-side difference was also similar between the 2 groups at follow-up. No statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups in isometric tests performed. CONCLUSION: The present study is the first to compare the clinical and functional results of SF and HSF techniques. The HSF technique demonstrated comparable clinical and functional outcomes, suggesting its potential as an alternative to the SF technique.

Double Decker anterior cruciate ligament avulsion.

Distal anterior cruciate ligament avulsion from tibial side is an unusual injury. It can be either bony avulsion, which is more common, or rarely a soft tissue peeling of tibial spine with no bone injury. This case report represents a very infrequent injury of combined soft tissue peeling of distal anterior cruciate ligament along with bony avulsion of tibial spine in a 12-years-old boy after falling from his bike.

Evaluation of Tibial Slope on Radiographs in Pediatric Patients With Tibial Spine Fractures: An Age- and Sex-Matched Study.

Background: A recent study has reported that the radiographic measurement of posterior tibial slope (PTS) is larger in male pediatric patients with tibial spine fractures (TSF) than in controls. However, they found no difference in PTS between female patients and controls. Purpose: (1) To identify whether PTS is larger in female pediatric patients with TSF than in female controls and (2) to validate the relationship between PTS and pediatric TSF in male patients. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: After an a priori power analysis, 84 pediatric patients with TSF (50 female patients and 34 male patients) and 84 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled in this study. Demographic information, including sex, age, and race, was recorded. Skeletal maturity was determined based on the stage of epiphyseal union on knee radiographs. PTS was defined as the angle between a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tibia and the posterior inclination of the medial tibial plateau on standard knee lateral radiographs. Results: The mean age when the TSF occurred was 11.2 ± 2.7 years for female patients and 12.9 ± 2.5 years for male patients. There was no significant difference in skeletal maturity between female patients and female controls or between male patients and male controls. The mean PTS was not significantly different between female patients (8.8°± 2.8°) and female controls (8.3°± 3.1°) (P = .366) or between male patients (9.0°± 2.8°) and male controls (9.3°± 2.6°) (P = .675). Those with a PTS >1 SD (2.9°) above the mean (8.8°) had no greater odds (1.0 [95% CI, 0.4-2.5]; P≥ .999) of having a TSF than others. Conclusion: PTS was not found to be a risk factor for pediatric TSF in female or male patients in this study.

Technical Note: Tibial Spine Avulsion Treatment with Arthroscopic Reduction and Internal Fixation with Kirschner Wires in Skeletally Immature Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Tibial spine avulsion injury, tibial eminence injury, tibial spine fracture, and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) avulsion are multiple terms that express the same pathological condition. It can be encountered both in the pediatric and adult population. A wide array of surgical techniques have been proposed to manage displaced tibial spine avulsions. Anyway, insufficient evidence is currently available to prefer one fixation technique over another, and a gold-standard arthroscopy-based technique is still missing. In this article, we describe a mini-invasive, safe and user-friendly technique for arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation of displaced tibial eminence fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standard and patient-specific accessory arthroscopic portals allow for full access to knee visualization and management of concomitant intraarticular lesions. After performing the debridement of the inflammatory tissue and the release of eventual interposed tissues in the fracture site, the tibial eminence avulsion can be reduced by using a less-invasive bone impactor. With the knee flexed to 90°, the fracture fragments are then synthesized (under fluoroscopic control) with three thin Kirschner wires inserted in a proximal-distal direction in a cross-shaped geometry. RESULTS: This technique allows a fast surgical and hospitalization time, a punctiform arthrotomy, proximal tibial physis preservation, and an early rehabilitation program. CONCLUSIONS: This novel technique seems attractive and very promising since it is respectful of the epiphyseal growth plates and is thus suitable for children and adolescents.

Arthroscopic-assisted Treatment of a Posterolateral Tibial Plateau Fracture with an Accompanying Tibial Eminence Fracture. Case Report.

Posterolateral tibial plateau fractures pose a challenge even to the most experienced orthopedic trauma specialists. Arthroscopic fracture management techniques have been emerging as an increasingly popular alternative in the treatment of selected tibial plateau fractures. This technique enables precise visualization of the articular surface of the tibia and its anatomical reduction with lateral meniscus repair, which further enables the restoration of biomechanical function of the meniscus and prevents early degeneration. In addition, this method minimizes soft tissue injury, shortens the duration of hospital stay and postoperative care, and enables treatment of accompanying intra-articular injuries. In our article, we present a case of posterolateral tibial plateau fracture with articular displacement and depression, and loss of support for the posterior margin of the lateral meniscus with an accompanying tibial eminence fracture. The fracture was treated with arthroscopic assistance. Anatomical reduction of the tibial eminence and the fragment of the posterolateral tibial plateau, as well as lateral meniscus repair was achieved intraoperatively. Postoperative radiographic assessment showed anatomical restoration of the articular surface. A full range of motion and pain-free knee stability were achieved following rehabilitation.

Clinical outcome of arthroscopic suture versus screw fixation in tibial avulsion of the anterior cruciate ligament in skeletally mature patients.

BACKGROUND: Tibial eminence fracture is an intra-articular fracture of bony attachment of ACL. The displaced fragment could hinder the mobility of the knee and may lead joint instabilty; therefore, requires fixation. Arthroscopic suture and screw fixation are the widely used surgical modalities for eminence fractures of the tibia. Past studies have not yet depicted the superiority of one method over the other. Through this cohort study, comparison of the clinical and functional outcomes of these two surgical methods was done. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, interventional study was conducted from December 2019 to January 2022 for comparing the clinical outcome of arthroscopic pull through suture fixation and arthroscopic antegrade cancellous screw fixation in skeletally mature individuals. Ninety patients (45 in each group) were randomly assigned and treated with the above two methods. A comprehensive clinical analysis was done after nine months of surgery for assessment of functional outcome, ligament laxity, range of motion, and complications if any. RESULTS: 65.55% of anterior tibial eminence fractures were caused by road traffic accidents followed by sports injuries (28.88%). The postoperative mean subjective IKDC score in the suture group was 91.36 and for the screw fixation group was 85.71 (p = 0.001). After nine months of surgery, the mean LKS was 91.96 in patients treated with suture fixation and 86.00 in patients treated with screw fixation (p = 0.001). Pivot shift grading was grade 3 in one patient of the suture group and in three patients of the screw group (p = 0.319). Seven patients who had screw fixation required re-surgery for removal of the implant; however, no such complication was seen in the suture fixation group. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic pull-through suture fixation of tibial avulsion of ACL in skeletally mature patients seems to be a superior intervention over arthroscopic screw fixation with the benefits of better clinical and functional outcomes and decreased chances of re-surgery.

Anatomical factors associated with the development of anterior tibial spine fractures based on MRI measurements.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have investigated anatomic factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, such as posterior tibial slope (PTS) and notch width index (NWI). However, anterior tibial spine fracture (ATSF) as a specific pattern of ACL injury, a bony avulsion of the ACL from its insertion on the intercondylar spine of the tibia, has rarely been explored for its anatomical risk factors. Identifying anatomic parameters of the knee associated with ATSF is important for understanding injury mechanisms and prevention. METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery for ATSF between January 2010 and December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed, and 38 patients were included in the study group. Thirty-eight patients who suffered from isolated meniscal tear without other pathologic findings were matched in a 1:1 fashion by age, sex and BMI to the study group. The lateral posterior tibial slope (LPTS), medial posterior tibial slope (MPTS), medial tibial depth, lateral tibial height, lateral femoral condyle ratio (LFCR) and NWI were measured and compared between the ATSF and control groups. Binary logistic regressions identified independent predictors of ATSF. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to compare the diagnostic performance and determine the cutoff values of associated parameters. RESULTS: The LPTS, LFCR and MPTS were significantly larger in the knees in the ATSF group than in the control group (P = 0.001, P = 0.012 and P = 0.005, respectively). The NWI was significantly smaller in the knees in the ATSF group than in the control group (P = 0.005). According to the results of logistic regression analysis, the LPTS, LFCR and NWI were independently associated with ATSF. The LPTS was the strongest predictor variable, and the ROC analysis revealed 63.2% sensitivity and 76.3% specificity (area under the curve, 0.731; 95% CI 0.619-0.844) for values above 6.9. CONCLUSION: The LPTS, LFCR and NWI were found to be associated with the ATSF; in particular, LPTS could provide the most accurate predictive performance. The findings of this study may aid clinicians in identifying people at risk for ATSF and taking individualized preventive measures. However, further investigation regarding the pattern and biomechanical mechanisms of this injury is required.

Functional Outcomes and Subsequent Surgical Procedures After Arthroscopic Suture Versus Screw Fixation for ACL Tibial Avulsion Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Although arthroscopic screw fixation and suture fixation are mainstream interventions for displaced anterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures of the tibia, the differences in clinical outcomes between them remain inconclusive. Purpose: To conduct a meta-analysis comparing the clinical and functional outcomes between arthroscopic screw fixation and suture fixation for tibial avulsion fractures. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and using the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Inclusion criteria were English-language articles that compared functional outcomes after screw fixation versus suture fixation for tibial avulsion fractures and had at least 1-year follow-up. Relevant data were extracted and analyzed statistically using the Mantel-Haenszel method and variance-weighted means. Random-effects models were used to generate pooled relative risk (RR) estimates with confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Of 1395 articles initially identified, we included 5 studies with 184 patients (91 patients with screw fixations and 93 patients with suture fixations). The pooled results indicated similar postoperative outcomes for screw fixation and suture fixation: Lysholm score (mean difference [MD], -0.32 [95% CI, -6.08 to 5.44]; P = .91), proportion of International Knee Documentation Committee score grade A (74% vs 74%; RR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.10-3.95]; P = .63), Tegner score (MD, 0.10 [95% CI: -1.73 to 1.92]; P = .92), and Lachman test results (stable knee joint, 82% vs 82%; RR, 0.99; 95% CI: 0.85-1.16; P = .90). Patients in the screw fixation group had a significantly higher overall subsequent surgery rate (46% vs 19%; RR, 2.33; 95% CI,1.51-3.60; P = .0001) and implant removal rate (44% vs 3%; RR, 8.52; 95% CI, 3.58-20.29; P < .00001) compared with those in the suture fixation group. Nonimplant-related subsequent surgery rates were similar for the 2 groups. Conclusion: The findings indicated a higher risk of subsequent surgery (RR, 2.33) and implant removal (RR, 8.52) after screw fixation when compared with suture fixation for tibial avulsion fractures. However, there were no significant differences in clinical outcome scores between the 2 techniques.

Is Nonoperative Treatment Appropriate for All Patients With Type 1 Tibial Spine Fractures? A Multicenter Study of the Tibial Spine Research Interest Group.

Background: Type 1 tibial spine fractures are nondisplaced or ≤2 mm-displaced fractures of the tibial eminence and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insertion that are traditionally managed nonoperatively with immobilization. Hypothesis: Type 1 fractures do not carry a significant risk of associated injuries and therefore do not require advanced imaging or additional interventions aside from immobilization. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: We reviewed 52 patients who were classified by their treating institution with type 1 tibial spine fractures. Patients aged ≤18 years with pretreatment plain radiographs and ≤ 1 year of follow-up were included. Pretreatment imaging was reviewed by 4 authors to assess classification agreement among the treating institutions. Patients were categorized into 2 groups to ensure that outcomes represented classic type 1 fracture patterns. Any patient with universal agreement among the 4 authors that the fracture did not appear consistent with a type 1 classification were assigned to the type 1+ (T1+) group; all other patients were assigned to the true type 1 (TT1) group. We evaluated the rates of pretreatment imaging, concomitant injuries, and need for operative interventions as well as treatment outcomes overall and for each group independently. Results: A total of 48 patients met inclusion criteria; 40 were in the TT1 group, while 8 were in the T1+ group, indicating less than universal agreement in the classification of these fractures. Overall, 12 (25%) underwent surgical treatment, and 12 (25%) had concomitant injuries. Also, 8 patients required additional surgical management including ACL reconstruction (n = 4), lateral meniscal repair (n = 2), lateral meniscectomy (n = 1), freeing an incarcerated medial meniscus (n = 1), and medial meniscectomy (n = 1). Conclusion: The classification of type 1 fractures can be challenging. Contrary to prior thought, a substantial number of patients with these fractures (>20%) were found to have concomitant injuries. Overall, surgical management was performed in 25% of patients in our cohort.

Pediatric Tibial Spine Fractures: Exploring Case Burden by Age and Sex.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric tibial spine fractures (TSFs) are a well-known clinical entity, but the epidemiology of these injuries is not fully understood. Further, there are limited data on outcomes after TSF treatment, specifically the proportion of patients requiring subsequent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. PURPOSE: To describe the distribution of TSF case burden by age and sex and to determine the proportion of patients undergoing subsequent ACL reconstruction or developing ACL insufficiency. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: The Truven Health MarketScan database was queried to identify patients aged 7 to 18 years with TSFs between 2016 and 2018. Diagnosis and initial treatment (surgical vs nonoperative) were recorded based on database coding. Case burden by age and sex was calculated. The database, which includes longitudinal data, was then queried for subsequent diagnoses of ACL insufficiency as well as subsequent ACL reconstruction procedures performed among the patients. RESULTS: We found 876 cases of TSF, 71.3% of which were treated nonoperatively. The male to female ratio for case burden was 2.2:1. Cases peaked at age 13 to 14 years for boys and age 11 to 12 years for girls. Of all cases identified, 3.7% also had either a diagnosis code for ACL laxity entered in a delayed fashion into the database or a later procedure code for ACL reconstruction (considered together to represent "subsequent ACL insufficiency"). Only 15 subsequent ACL reconstructions (1.7% of cases) were found, all of which were among boys and 9 of which were among boys aged 13 to 14 years. CONCLUSION: This longitudinal study is the largest epidemiological analysis of pediatric TSFs to date. We found low rates of subsequent ACL insufficiency and ACL reconstruction, with boys aged 13 to 14 years accounting for most of those cases. Rates of subsequent ACL reconstruction were lower than previously reported. Boys accounted for more than two times as many TSF cases as girls.

Effect of Skeletal Maturity on Fixation Techniques for Tibial Eminence Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Several fixation methods have been reported for the operative treatment of tibial eminence fractures. Previous biomechanical studies have demonstrated that suture fixation may be a stronger construct; however, the maturity status of these specimens was not scrutinized. PURPOSE: To examine if suture fixation remains a biomechanically superior fixation method to screw fixation in both skeletally mature and immature specimens. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Sixteen total matched porcine (Yorkshire) knees (8 skeletally immature knees and 8 skeletally mature knees) were procured, and a standardized tibial eminence fracture was created. In each age-matched group of knees, 4 knees underwent randomization to fixation with 2 screws while 4 knees were randomized to fixation using a dual-suture technique. Once fixation was complete, the specimens underwent cyclic loading (200 cycles) in the anteroposterior plane of the tibia and load-to-failure testing, both with the knee positioned at 30° of flexion. Relevant measurements were recorded, and data were analyzed. RESULTS: Among mature specimens, load to failure was 1.9 times higher in the suture fixation group compared with the screw fixation group (1318.84 ± 305.55 vs 711.66 ± 279.95 N, respectively; P = .03). The load to failure was not significantly different between the groups in immature specimens (suture: 470.00 ± 161.91 N vs screw: 348.79 ± 102.46; P = .08). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that suture fixation may represent a better construct choice for fixation of tibial eminence fractures in the skeletally mature population. However, in the skeletally immature population, fixation with screws or suture may be equivalent. Displacement after cyclic loading did not appear to differ by fixation method, nor did stiffness. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A stronger fixation construct may be beneficial and allow for earlier range of motion to help potentially decrease postoperative stiffness. Clinical studies are warranted to see if these results may be replicated in humans.

Suture versus screw fixation technique for tibial eminence fracture: A meta-analysis of laboratory studies.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties between the suture fixation technique and the screw fixation technique for tibial eminence fracture (TEF). METHODS: The current study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane were searched from inception to January 2019 comparing the suture and the screw fixation technique for TEF. The results of the eligible studies were analyzed in terms of stiffness, ultimate failure load, and displacement after the cyclic testing. RESULTS: Six laboratory studies were included with a total of 114 knees: 57 knees were in the FiberWire suture group and 57 knees were in the single-screw group. The suture group had higher stiffness than the screw group, but there was no statistical difference between these two groups. Ultimate failure load in the suture group was statistically higher than that in the screw group. No statistically significant difference existed in displacement after the cyclic testing between the suture group and the screw group. CONCLUSION: The FiberWire suture fixation may be biomechanically superior to a single screw fixation in TEF treatment in mature knees regarding ultimate failure load, while no significant difference was found between the two fixations in terms of stiffness and displacement after the cyclic testing.