Tibial intercondylar fractures in children: a review of the classification and the treatment of mal-union

Forced flexion with internal rotation of the knee in a child can result in an avulsion fracture of the tibial intercondylar area by the anterior cruciate ligament. Accurate radiological assessment of the size of the fragment is difficult. Conservative treatment with plaster immobilization in 30–50 ° of flexion is recommended for Type I fractures. Operative reduction is suggested for all Type III and some Type II fractures. Correction of mal-union can be achieved by excision of a wedge of tibial bone and reattachment of the origin of the anterior cruciate ligament.     

Isolated posterior cruciate ligament injuries associated with closed tibial shaft fractures: a report of two cases

Introduction  Knee ligament injuries associated with tibia shaft fractures are usually neglected and treatment is delayed. To our knowledge, no case presentation discusses the clinical result of closed tibial shaft fracture with concomitant ipsilateral isolated PCL injury. In this literature, we report the clinical result of two cases that sustained closed tibial shaft fracture with concomitant PCL injury and discuss the treatment options. Materials and methods  We report the clinical result of two cases that sustained closed tibial shaft fracture with concomitant posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury. Case 1 received open reduction with plate fixation for the tibial shaft fracture, and he also received arthroscopic reconstruction of PCL with bone-patellar tendon-bone graft due to neglecting PCL injury 5 months later after fracture fixation. Case 2 sustained left tibial-fibular shaft fracture with isolated PCL injury confirmed by magnetic resonance image on the first day of injury. She received tibia fixation with intramedullary nail and conservative treatment with bracing and rehabilitation for PCL injury. Results  In case 1, the male patient only focused on fracture healing without any knee rehabilitation. His knee flexed deeply for protected weight bearing in the injured leg which may have exacerbated the posterior instability and reduced the possibility of PCL healing. The end result of knee function was poor even though PCL reconstruction was done later. In case 2, the female patient with diagnosed posterior cruciate ligament injury on the day of injury, her knee was immobilized in brace with full extension, which improved PCL healing. In addition, she received rehabilitation of quadriceps strengthening, and hamstring muscle contraction was avoided in her daily activity. After rehabilitation, the female patient did not complain of severe subjective instability even with an obvious posterior translation on posterior drawer test. Conclusions  We need to perform a careful physical examination of ipsilateral knee in cases of leg fractures, and MRI of knee before surgery if any doubt exists. However, a further research is needed to conclude on the best operation and rehabilitation program in patients with combined tibial shaft fracture and PCL injury. No support from any institution was gained for this study.     

Open fractures of the tibia in children

Forty-one children who had forty-two open fractures of the tibial metaphysis or diaphysis were studied retrospectively. Twelve fractures were Type I; eighteen, Type II; six, Type IIIA; four, Type IIIB; and two, Type IIIC, according to the classification of Gustilo et al. All fractures were irrigated and debrided, and antibiotics were given for a minimum of forty-eight hours after the injury. Twenty fractures were initially treated with external fixation and twenty-two, with immobilization in a plaster cast. Three patients had an early infection of the wound, one of which was associated with osteomyelitis; all were successfully treated. The average time to healing of the fracture was five months (range, two to twenty-one months). The time to union was related to the severity of the soft-tissue injury, the pattern of the fracture, the amount of segmental bone loss, the occurrence of infection, and the use of external fixation. There were six delayed unions. Four patients had an angular malunion of more than 10 degrees, which spontaneously corrected in three. One patient who had a proximal metaphyseal-diaphyseal segmental fracture had a progressive valgus deformity. Four patients who had a severe fracture that was treated with external fixation had more than one centimeter of tibial over-growth. There were no amputations. The incidences of compartment syndrome, vascular injury, infection, and delayed union were similar to those reported for open tibial fractures in adults.     

急性前十字韧带撕裂位置对骨挫伤面积的影响

目的探讨急性前十字韧带损伤患者MRI上韧带撕裂位置对矢状面上骨挫伤最大面积的影响。方法对2019年1至6月收治的前十字韧带损伤患者的MRI进行回顾性分析,根据前十字韧带撕裂在其远端到近端全长上的位置分为五型:Ⅰ型,>90%;Ⅱ型,75%~90%;Ⅲ型,25%~75%;Ⅳ型,10%~25%;Ⅴ型,<10%。比较五型患者的性别、体重、体质指数、股骨外侧髁切迹凹陷深度、内外侧半月板有无损伤。选取ePDWSPIRCLEAR序列矢状面图像,分别截取股骨、胫骨骨挫伤面积最大的层面。使用Image J 1.52t软件测量挫伤面积最大层面的最大骨挫伤面积。结果63例急性前十字韧带损伤中,Ⅰ型撕裂3例(4.8%)、Ⅱ型撕裂14例(22.2%)、Ⅲ型撕裂40例(63.5%)、Ⅳ型撕裂2例(3.2%)、Ⅴ型撕裂4例(6.3%)。其中Ⅰ型和Ⅳ型未发现股骨外侧髁及外侧胫骨平台骨挫伤。股骨外侧髁骨挫伤面积Ⅱ型为0(0,64.12)mm^2、Ⅲ型为182.34(86.58,334.38)mm^2、Ⅴ型为38.64(0,193.36)mm^2,差异有统计学意义(H=21.665,P=0.000);外侧胫骨平台骨挫伤最大面积Ⅱ型为76.78(28.25,205.57)mm^2、Ⅲ型为120.93(51.78,239.37)mm^2、Ⅴ型为190.51(80.86,238.75)mm^2,差异有统计学意义(H=11.939,P=0.018)。内侧半月板损伤发生率分别为66.6%(2/3)、35.7%(5/14)、37.5%(15/40)、100%(2/2)、25%(1/4),差异无统计学意义(χ^2=4.413,P=0.353);外侧半月板损伤发生率分别为33.3%(1/3)、35.7%(5/14)、77.5%(31/40)、50%(1/2)、25%(1/4),差异有统计学意义(χ^2=11.481,P=0.022)。内侧半月板损伤组外侧胫骨平台最大骨挫伤面积为48.0(0,105.97)mm^2,小于未损伤组的185.67(54.36,257.41)mm^2,差异有统计学意义(H=8.848,P=0.003);外侧半月板损伤组股骨外侧髁最大骨挫伤面积为162.19(63.03,301.33)mm^2,大于未损伤组的0(0,103.37)mm^2,差异有统计学意义(H=11.554,P=0.001)。结论前十字韧带断裂最常发生在中段,合并外侧半月板损伤的概率最大,股骨外侧髁骨挫伤面积大;发生在最远端的断裂导致外侧胫骨平台骨挫伤的面积最大,合并内侧半月板损伤的概率最低。     

Ligament injuries associated with tibial plateau fractures

Thirty-nine patients with tibial plateau fractures and concomitant ligament injury were evaluated at least one year after injury. Ligamentous injury was determined by stress roentgenograms, plain roentgenograms, operative findings, and Pelle-grini-Stieda's ossification. There were 22 isolated medial collateral, eight lateral collateral, one isolated anterior cruciate, and eight combined ligament injuries. All types of tibial plateau fractures were associated with ligamentous injury, although split compression and local compression were most common. Twenty patients (Group 1) did not have operative repair of the injured ligaments, and 19 patients (Group 2) had primary repair of the injured ligaments. Open reduction and internal fixation of the plateau fracture(s) were performed in 13 patients in Group 1 and 19 patients in Group 2. Follow-up evaluation (100-point scale), including subjective, functional, and anatomic factors, revealed 12 excellent and good, four fair, and three poor results in the 19 patients with ligamentous repair. There were ten excellent and good, two fair, and eight poor results in those without ligament repair. Ten of the 12 patients with 10 degrees or more of instability had poor results. These poor results included five unrepaired medial collateral ligaments, two unrepaired lateral collateral ligaments, and three patients with cruciate ligament injury. This study confirms the view that instability is a major cause of unacceptable results in tibial plateau fractures. Operative repair of medial and lateral collateral ligaments, with appropriate treatment of the bony plateau fracture, may reduce late instability and may improve overall morbidity in these concomitant injuries. Cruciate ligament injury associated with a tibial plateau fracture carries a poor prognosis.     

Ligament injuries associated with physeal fractures about the knee

A retrospective study of 29 cases of epiphyseal plate fractures about the knee revealed 14 patients with ligament instability at follow-up evaluation an average of 66 months after injury. Distal femoral physeal fractures had occurred in 16 of the 29 patients. Six of these patients had ligament insufficiency, which was recognized by positive anterior drawer and Lachman tests in all six and laxity to valgus stress in one. Proximal tibial physeal fractures were noted in 13 of the 29 patients. Eight of these patients had ligament laxity; anterior drawer and Lachman tests were positive in five, and laxity with valgus stress was present in four patients. It is concluded that because 14 of 29 patients (48%) had ligament insufficiency at follow-up evaluation, physeal fracture about the knee does not exclude ligament damage and, in fact, is associated with a high incidence of ligament injury. Furthermore, a complex proximal tibial physeal fracture associated with medial collateral ligament rupture is described for the first time. This resulted in medial collateral ligament insufficiency, genu valgus, and early degenerative changes. A treatment plan of primary ligament repair, fracture reduction, and follow-up evaluation to skeletal maturity is suggested for this unique fracture.     

Dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint with fracture of fibular sesamoid. A case report

Dorsal dislocations of the first metatarsophalangeal joint are classified by Jahss into two types. In Type 1, the hallux with the intact intersesamoid ligament dislocates dorsally over the metatarsal head. Such cases in the literature have been irreducible by closed manipulation. In Type 2 the hallux is dislocated dorsally with rupture of the intersesamoid ligament, resulting in wide separation of the sesamoids (Type 2A) or a transverse fracture of one or both sesamoids (Type 2B). The importance in classifying these injuries allows one to predict whether closed reduction will be successful as in Type 2. The patient reported had a fracture of the fibular sesamoid in addition to dislocation of the hallux. The clinical findings were consistent with Type 1 injury, including an intact intersesamoid ligament, but the radiographs showed, in addition to the dislocation, that there was a fracture of the fibular sesamoid. Reduction was achieved surgically through a dorsal approach. Although such injuries have been unreported previously, Type 1 injuries may be associated with a fracture of the fibular sesamoid but without rupture of intersesamoid ligament, so the injury reported is classified as Type 1A.     

Unreamed locked tight-fitting nailing for acute tibial fractures

OBJECTIVES: Treatment of tibial fractures by unreamed locked nailing with loose-fitting nails has previously been shown to be associated with a low union rate and high implant failure rate. This report describes the authors' experience in using tight-fitting nails that were relatively larger than loose-fitting nails. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: University medical center. PATIENTS: Forty-eight consecutive patients with fifty-two tibial fractures (excluding open IIIC fractures and those with bone loss) were studied: thirty-four men and fourteen women, with a mean age of 38 years. There were twenty-five closed fractures, nine Type I, eight Type II, four Type IIIA, and six Type IIIB open fractures. INTERVENTION: Unreamed nailing with tight-fitting nails using the Russell-Taylor system. OUTCOME MEASURES: Union rate, time to union, complication rate, and functional recovery, as well as nailing time, hospital time, and crutch-walking time were recorded. RESULTS: Union occurred in forty-eight of fifty-two fractures (92%) with a mean time to union of 18.2 weeks. Compartment syndrome occurred in three patients. Deep infection occurred in one Type II and one Type IIIB open fracture. Four fractures required additional exchange nailing or bone grafting to achieve union: one Type II, one Type IIIA, and two Type IIIB open fractures. Three malalignments resulted from operative technical error. The rate of both intraoperative bony split and screw breakage was 3.8% (2 of 52), but neither complication interfered with fracture healing. Recovery of joint motion was essentially normal in those patients without knee or ankle injury. CONCLUSIONS: Unreamed locked nailing with tight-fitting nails can produce satisfactory clinical results for acute tibial fractures. It has the advantages of technical simplicity and an acceptable risk of implant failure.     

胫骨平台骨折合并周围韧带损伤治疗探讨

目的 分析胫骨平台骨折术后随访病例膝关节稳定性的变化，探讨胫骨平台骨折合并周围韧带损伤的发生率及早期诊断和处理措施。方法 对2000年1月～2003年6月期间在我院治疗的不同类型胫骨平台骨折进行回顾，对有随访的57例良好复位的平台骨折病例膝关节稳定度进行分析。结果 随访6个月～2.5年，平均15个月，未见明显膝关节不稳现象，总结出本组病例膝关节稳定性良好的原因：①胫骨平台骨折合并周围韧带损伤发生率低；②胫骨平台骨折合并韧带损伤程度轻；③解剖复位及坚强内固定；④术后良好制动及正确的康复训练指导。结论 胫骨平台骨折合并周围韧带完全断裂的发生率较低，韧带不全损伤非手术治疗可获得良好疗效。     

Arthroscopic fixation of avulsion fractures of the tibial eminence: technique and outcome

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to review an arthroscopic technique using screw or suture fixation for repair of types II and III fractures of the tibial eminence and review patient outcomes.Type of studyRetrospective review.MethodsWe conducted a review of 17 patients with Meyers and McKeever type II or III fractures of the tibial eminence treated with arthroscopic suture or screw fixation. We reviewed records and administered a questionnaire that included the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form, Tegner Activity scale, and Lysholm Knee Score.ResultsFive men and 12 women comprised the study group. Average age was 26.6 years (range, 7.5 to 60.1 years). Mean follow-up time was 32.6 months (range, 14 to 51 months). The study included 8 type II and 9 type III fractures. At follow-up evaluation, the mean Tegner score was 6.35 and mean Lysholm score was 94.2. In general, the best outcomes were seen in younger patients. For continuous age, significant differences were found for the IKDC functional scores, symptom scores, and IKDC final scores. For categorical age, younger patients had significantly better scores for the IKDC function and final scores. No significant differences were seen in outcomes with regard to fixation type. In 10 cases the intermeniscal ligament was interposed between the avulsed fracture and the tibia and was retracted or resected to allow fracture reduction. No significant differences were seen in the outcomes of these patients.ConclusionsWe found that displaced tibial eminence fractures could be successfully treated in both younger and older patients using arthroscopic suture or screw fixation, with most patients returning to their previous activity levels. The interposed intermeniscal ligament must be retracted or resected to allow for anatomic fracture reduction.Level of evidenceLevel III, Case Series.     

Injuries to the posterolateral aspect of the knee accompanied by compression fracture of the anterior part of the medial tibial plateau

We present 12 cases of patients with injury to the posterolateral aspect of the knee accompanied by a compression fracture of the anterior part of the medial tibial plateau. There were 11 male patients and 1 female patient with an average age of 26 years (range, 17 to 44 years). There were 4 cases of posterolateral rotatory instability and 8 cases of straight lateral instability of the knee. The size of the compression fracture was classified into 2 types, small (8 cases) and large (4 cases). Although the mechanism of injury was considered to be hyperextension and varus force, the pattern of cruciate ligament injuries varied from case to case. The following 3 questions should be considered to determine which cruciate ligament is damaged: (1) Was the ipsilateral foot fixed to the ground? (2) Was forward inertia involved? (3) Was there a direct blow to the anteromedial aspect of the tibia or to the femur? Accompanied fractures of the medial tibial plateau were considered to have been compressed by the medial femoral condyle. The size of the accompanying compression fracture varied; 7 of 8 cases with a small-type fracture had posterior cruciate ligament injuries and 3 of 4 cases with a large-type fracture had anterior cruciate ligament injuries. The size of the fracture is determined by which point of the medial tibial plateau touched the medial femoral condyle. We propose that a compression fracture of the anterior part of the medial tibial plateau indicates a coexistent posterolateral aspect injury, and that especially a small compression fracture strongly suggests an accompanying posterior cruciate ligament injury, as well.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 17, No 6 (July-August), 2001: pp 642–647     

关节镜技术和三柱锁定钢板固定治疗胫骨平台骨折

目的探讨关节镜技术和三柱锁定钢板治疗胫骨平台骨折的临床效果。方法采用关节镜技术和三柱锁定钢板固定治疗51例胫骨平台骨折,SehatzkerI～Ⅲ型35例,Ⅳ一Ⅵ型16例;其中,胫骨髁间嵴骨折并前交叉韧带损伤8例,后交叉韧带止点撕脱骨折8例,半月板损伤5例。结果本组随访12～24个月,平均13．6个月。膝关节功能参照Rasmussen评分：优24例,良20例,可6例,差1例,优良率达86．3％。无切口坏死,无固定失败及骨外露发生。有1例伤口感染。结论采用关节镜技术和三柱锁定钢板固定各种胫骨平台骨折是一种可靠方法。     

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.     

Avulsion fracture of the anteromedial bundle of the anterior cruciate ligament

The avulsion fracture of the tibial attachment site of the anterior cruciate ligament is relatively rare among adults. Although partial avulsion fracture of this site is very rare, complex forces exerted on the knee joint could produce this type of fracture. We report on an adult patient with an avulsion fracture of the attachment site of anteromedial bundle of the anterior cruciate ligament associated with injuries of lateral and medial collateral ligament and fibular fracture. We speculate varus stress in a flexed knee coupled with rotation between the femur and tibia caused this type of injury.     

Type III fracture of the tibial tubercle with avulsion of the tibialis anterior muscle in the adolescent male athlete

INTRODUCTION: Type III fracture of the tibial tubercle by Watson-Jones, or type IIIa injury according to John Ogden's classification has been well described and its management is now well codified in standard orthopaedic textbooks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors present a case of type III fracture of the tibial tubercle associated with an avulsion of the tibialis anterior muscle. RESULTS: We demonstrated the effectiveness of bioabsorbable material for fixing the fracture preventing the need for removal of metalware, and that the anterior tibialis muscle had been stripped by the injury. CONCLUSION: A displaced type III fracture of the tibial tubercle may have an associated with avulsion of the tibialis anterior muscle, particularly in adolescent athletes. Prompt recognition and appropriate surgical treatment can give an excellent outcome.     

Diagnosis and Treatment of Schatzker Type II Tibial Plateau Fracture with An Isolated Bone Fragment: A Case Report and Literature Review

BackgroundAn isolated bone fragment from the posterolateral tibial plateau retrieved from the patellofemoral compartment is a rarely seen Schatzker type II tibial plateau fracture and is prone to misdiagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, this injury mechanism has not been previously described.Case presentationA 63‐year‐old female sustained left knee pain and activity limitation after falling off an electric bicycle. Local hospital ignored the intra‐articular bone fragment and failed to provide effective treatment. This case described an uncommon Schatzker type II tibial plateau fracture with an isolated bone fragment, its physical examination and radiological findings, the potential injury mechanism, and surgical protocol.ConclusionsCombining the physical examination and radiological findings to evaluate the potential injury mechanism is important for developing an appropriate surgical protocol.     

Bilateral epiphyseal fractures of the proximal tibia within a six-month interval: a case report

An epiphyseal fracture commonly results from avulsion of the epiphysis by traction through the attached ligaments. A fracture of the proximal tibial epiphysis is, therefore, a rare injury because of the absence of collateral ligament attachments. Most proximal tibial epiphyseal injuries occur as avulsion fractures of the tibial tubercle; Salter-Harris Types I or II injuries involving pressure epiphyses are rare. In the current case of a thirteen-year-old boy, the proximal tibial epiphyseal injuries in both knees occurred during quadriceps contraction in the absence of violent trauma, and there was a six-month interval between the two injuries.     

Type IV tibial tubercle fracture revisited: a case report

Tibial tubercle avulsions and proximal tibial physeal fractures are uncommon. An even more rare case was seen when an adolescent athlete presented with a combined Type III tibial tubercle avulsion and a Salter-Harris Type IV proximal tibial physeal fracture. There was no previous report in the literature of the combination of these two uncommon fracture patterns, both of which are associated with serious potential complications and long-term sequelae. The two fracture patterns must be recognized individually, with treatment directed appropriately.     

Dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint in association with a tibial shaft fracture: two case reports and a literature review

Dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) in association with a displaced tibial shaft fracture and an intact fibula is an exceedingly rare injury. We present 2 cases of tibia fractures associated with an intact fibula and a PTFJ dislocation. The first case involves a man who sustained a closed spiral fracture of the distal tibial shaft, with an intact fibula, an anterolaterally dislocated PTFJ, and a partial tear of the lateral collateral ligament. The tibia was percutaneously plated, and the PTFJ was reduced and then stabilized with temporary screw fixation. The second case involves a woman who sustained a closed fracture of the tibia in association with a PTFJ dislocation. The tibia was fixed with an intramedullary nail, and the PTFJ was similarly reduced and fixed with a temporary screw. We also provide a brief literature review focusing on classification of PTFJ dislocations, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, and treatment options.