Tibial tubercle fracture with avulsion of patellar ligament

Combined fractures of the tibial tubercle and the patellar ligament are rare. Here we report the case of an 18-year-old boy who fell to the ground while playing basketball and suddenly felt a pop in his left knee; thereafter he was unable to stand. In-hospital radiographic examination revealed a tibial tubercle fracture with a high-riding patella, and the diagnosis was a Salter-Harris type IV tibial fracture associated with a sleeve fracture. The patient underwent surgery using a wire loop, an Ethibond suture (Ethicon Inc., Somerville, NJ, USA), and a staple to repair the site of the injury. The knee was immobilized for 4 weeks and after 2 months of follow-up, the patient was pain free with normal motion and strength. In conclusion, combined tibial tubercle fracture and avulsion of the patellar ligament are rare. The authors assert that the repair technique that is described herein supports reduced pain, early rehabilitation, and successful outcomes.