ObjectiveTo 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. ResultsThere 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). ConclusionFor 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.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of one-stage closed reduction and elastic compression fixation with double Kirschner wires for Wehbe-Schneider types ⅠB and ⅡB bony mallet fingers. Methods Between May 2017 and June 2020, 21 patients with Wehbe-Schneider type ⅠB and ⅡB bony mallet fingers were treated with one-stage closed reduction and elastic compression fixation using double Kirschner wires. There were 15 males and 6 females with an average age of 39.2 years (range, 19-62 years). The causes of injury were sports injury in 9 cases, puncture injury in 7 cases, and sprain in 5 cases. The time from injury to admission was 5-72 hours (mean, 21.0 hours). There were 2 cases of index finger injury, 8 cases of middle finger injury, 9 cases of ring finger injury, and 2 cases of little finger injury. The angle of active dorsiflexion loss of distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) was (40.04±4.02)°. According to the Wehbe-Schneider classification standard, there were 10 cases of typeⅠB and 11 cases of type ⅡB. The Kirschner wire was removed at 6 weeks after operation when X-ray film reexamination showed bony union of the avulsion fracture, and the functional exercise of the affected finger was started. Results The operation time was 35-55 minutes (mean, 43.9 minutes). The length of hospital stay was 2-5 days (mean, 3.4 days). No postoperative complications occurred. All patients were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 8.8 months). X-ray films reexamination showed that all avulsion fractures achieved bony union after 4-6 weeks (mean, 5.3 weeks). Kirschner wire was removed at 6 weeks after operation. After Kirschner removal, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score of pain during active flexion of the DIPJ was 1-3 (mean, 1.6); the VAS score of pain was 2-5 (mean, 3.1) when the DIPJ was passively flexed to the maximum range of motion. The angle of active dorsiflexion loss of affected finger was (2.14±2.54)°, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative angle (t=52.186, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the active flexion angle between the affected finger (79.52±6.31)° and the corresponding healthy finger (81.90±5.36)° (t=1.319, P=0.195). At 6 months after operation, according to Crawford functional evaluation criteria, the effectiveness was rated as excellent in 11 cases, good in 9, and fair in 1, with an excellent and good rate of 95.24%. Conclusion For Wehbe-Schneider typesⅠB and ⅡB bony mallet fingers, one-stage closed reduction and elastic compression fixation with double Kirschner wires can effectively correct the deformity and has the advantages of simple surgery, no incision, and no influence on the appearance of the affected finger.
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.
ObjectiveTo study the biomechanical stability of neckwear-knot-loop-ligature fixation for tibial eminence avulsion fractures by comparing with cannulated screw fixation and suture anchor fixation. MethodsTwenty-four fresh porcine knee joints were selected. After the model of tibial eminence avulsion fracture (type Ⅲ) was made, 24 samples were randomly divided into 3 groups: neckwear-knot-loop-ligature group (group A), cannulated screw group (group B), and suture anchor group (group C), 8 samples in each group. The Universal electromagnetic and mechanical testing machines were used for the biomechanical tests. After 200 cyclic tests, pull-out test was done until fixation failure. The maximum failure load, yield load, stiffness, and displacement were measured. ResultsFailure mode: the displacement was beyond limit in 8 samples of group A; screws extraction (5 samples) and bone fragment re-fracture (3 samples) were observed in group B; and suture anchor extraction (4 samples), suture rupture (3 samples), and suture thread cutting (1 sample) were found in group C. Biomechanical test: From groups A to C, the maximum failure load and yield load showed significant decreasing tendency (P<0.05), but the displacements showed significant increasing tendency (P<0.05). The stiffness also gradually decreased, but differences was not significant (P>0.05). ConclusionCompared with cannulated screw and suture anchor, neckwear-knot-loop-ligature fixation for tibial eminence avulsion fracture has good biomechanical performance and the advantages of firm fixation and simple operation.
Objective To evaluate the surgical techniques and effectiveness of arthroscopic treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial eminence avulsion fracture with non-absorbable suture fixation combined with the mini-plate. Methods Between January 2009 and March 2012, 32 patients with ACL tibial eminence avulsion fractures were treated. There were 18 males and 14 females, aged 12-40 years (mean, 17.5 years). The injury causes included traffic accident injury in 15 cases, sport injury in 6 cases, and falling injury in 11 cases. The time from injury to operation ranged 7-18 days with an average of 9.5 days. Before operation, the results of Lachman test were all positive; the Lysholm score was 52.13 ± 4.22 and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was 44.82 ± 2.44. According to Meyers-McKeever classification criteria, there were 12 cases of type II and 20 cases of type III. After arthroscopic poking reduction of fracture, tibial eminence avulsion fractures were fixed with the Ethibond non-absorbable sutures bypass figure-of-eight tibial tunnel combined with the metacarpal and phalangeal mini-plate. Results Primary healing was obtained in all incisions; no joint infection or skin necrosis occurred after operation. All patients were followed up with an average time of 22.4 months (range, 12-50 months). The patients showed negative Lachman test at 12 weeks after operation. Except 3 patients having knee extension limitation at last follow-up, the knee extension range of motion (ROM) was normal in the other patients; the knee flexion ROM was normal in all patients. The Lysholm score and IKDC score were significantly improved to 94.19 ± 0.93 and 94.35 ± 1.22 at last follow-up, showing significant differences when compared with preoperative values (t=55.080, P=0.000; t=101.715, P=0.000). Conclusion The arthroscopic treatment of ACL tibial eminence avulsion fracture with Ethibond non-absorbable suture fixation combined with mini-plate is an effective procedure with the advantages of minimal trauma, reliable fixation, and satisfactory recovery of the knee joint function.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of percutaneous reduction by leverage and fixation using nonabsorbable suture with neckwear knot loop l igature to treat tibial intercondylar eminence avulsion fractures under the arthroscope. Methods Between February 2003 and December 2008, 28 patients with tibial intercondylar eminence avulsion fractures were treated, including 16 left knees and 12 right knees. There were 15 males and 13 females with an average age of19.5 years (range, 14-45 years). The injury causes included traffic accident injury in 11 cases, sport injury in 10 cases, and sprain injury in 7 cases. Based on Meyers-McKeever classification, there were 18 cases of type III and 10 cases of type IV. The X-ray films showed the tibial intercondylar eminence displaced fracture. The mean time between trauma and operation was 7 days (range, 4-12 days). All patients were treated surgically with an arthroscopically assisted reduction by leverage and fixation using 5-0 Ethibond suture with neckwear knot loop l igature. Results All incisions healed by first intention without infection or injuries of nerves and vessels. Twenty-eight patients were followed up 26 months on average (range, 12-66 months). The X-ray films showed fracture heal ing within 9-13 weeks (mean, 11 weeks). At last follow-up, all patients were able to return to their pre-injury activity and daily l ife. The knee joint was stable with no l imp or impingement of intercondylar fossa. The knee joint range of motion was 0-130°. The results of Lachman and anterior drawer tests were negative in all patients. At last follow-up, the Lysholm score was 93.5 ± 2.5, showing significant difference when compared with the preoperative one (29.0±2.2, t=53.000, P=0.000). Conclusion Percutaneous reduction by leverage and fixation using nonabsorbable suture with neckwear knot loop l igature is minimally invasive and satisfied reduction and fixation in treating the tibial intercondylar eminence avulsion fracture under the arthroscope, so it is benefit for early functional exercises, and can achieve excellent results.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of open reduction by mini incision and absorbable screw internal fixation for the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial eminence avulsion fracture. MethodsBetween January 2006 and July 2012, 90 patients (90 knees) with ACL tibial eminence avulsion fracture were treated. There were 58 males and 32 females, aged from 10 to 58 years with an average of 33.7 years. The causes of injury were traffic accident injury in 60 cases, sports injury in 22 cases, and falling injury in 8 cases. The disease duration was 1-365 days with a median of 106 days. Combined injuries included 14 cases of meniscus injury, 5 cases of medial collateral ligament injury, and 3 cases of avulsion fracture of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus. All patients underwent open reduction by mini incision and internal fixation with absorbable screw. Postoperative rehabilitation exercise was performed. ResultsTwo patients had delayed healing of incision, and others obtained primary healing. All the patients were followed up 6-72 months (mean, 40.1 months). X-ray examination showed that bone union was achieved in all patients at 3-12 months after operation; nail tail came off in 7 cases at 4-13 months after operation, and the nail tail was taken out under arthroscopy. At 6-12 months after operation, the range of motion (ROM), Tegner score, Lysholm score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score were significantly increased when compared with preoperative ones (P < 0.05). ConclusionA combination of open reduction by mini incision and absorbable screw internal fixation for the treatment of ACL tibial eminence avulsion fracture has the advantages of easy operation, firm fixation, and satisfactory functional rehabilitation, so it is a safe and effective method for the treatment of ACL tibial eminence avulsion fracture.
ObjectiveTo develop a new type of internal fixation device which can be used to treat the minor avulsion fracture of the medial malleolus, lateral malleolus, the base of the fifth metatarsal, and the ulnar styloid process, and investigate the reliability and effectiveness of the device through biomechanical test.MethodsEighty human’s bone specimens with complete medial malleolus, lateral malleolus, the base of the fifth metatarsal, and the ulnar styloid process were selected and measured the anatomic indexes (the height, width, and thickness of medial malleolus, lateral malleolus, the base of the fifth metatarsal, and the ulnar styloid process). The CT three-dimensional reconstruction data of 200 healthy adults which including medial malleolus, lateral malleolus, the base of the fifth metatarsal, and the ulnar styloid process was also selected and measured the anatomic indexes by Mimics software. The plastic rod-hook plate was designed according to the measured results and prepared. Forty fresh porcine lower limb specimens were randomly divided into groups A and B (20 in each group), and 8 adult lower limb specimens including 4 left and 4 right were also randomly divided into groups A and B (4 in each group). All specimens were prepared for avulsion fracture of medial malleolus. Then, the fractures were fixed with plastic rod-hook plate in group A and wire anchor in group B. The load and axial torsion test of ankle joint were carried out by universal biomechanical testing machine.ResultsAccording to the anatomical characteristics, a plastic rod-hook plate was designed successfully. The biomechanical test results between animal and human specimens were consistent. There was a linear relationship between load and displacement in the ankle distal load test. The displacement when loaded to the maximum load was significantly lower in group A than in group B (P<0.05). The torsion angle and torque were significantly higher in group A than in group B when the internal fixation failed in the axial torsion test of the ankle joint (P<0.05), and the torsion angle was significantly smaller in group A than in group B when the torque was 1 N·m (P<0.05), and the maximum torque was also significantly higher in group A than in group B (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in torsion angle between the two groups in the maximum torque (P>0.05).ConclusionThe biomechanical properties of plastic rod-hook plate is obviously better than wire anchor, and the fixation of avulsion fracture with plastic rod-hook plate is easy to operate, which is expected to be used in the clinical treatment of minor avulsion fractures such as medial malleolus, lateral malleolus, base of the fifth metatarsal, and ulna styloid process.
ObjectiveTo investigate the surgical technique and effectiveness of arthroscopic ULTRA-Braid suture plane fixation for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial eminence avulsion fractures. MethodsBetween June 2012 and October 2014, 16 cases of ACL tibial eminence avulsion fracture were treated with ULTRA-Braid suture plane fixation under arthroscopy. There were 10 males and 6 females, aged from 17 to 38 years (mean, 25.8 years). The left knee was involved in 5 cases and the right knee in 11 cases. The causes were traffic accident injury in 9 cases, falling from height injury in 4 cases, and sports injury in 3 cases. The average interval from injury to operation was 7 days (range, 5-10 days) except 1 patient who received operation at 6 weeks after injury. The knee joint swelling was obvious; the result of Lachman test was positive; and the knee joint Lysholm score was 45.38±9.87. According to classification standard introduced by Meyers-McKeever-Zaricznyj, 7 cases were rated as type Ⅱ, 8 cases as type Ⅲ, and 1 case as type Ⅳ, excluding ligament and meniscus injury. ResultsAll the incisions healed by first intention. The patients received follow-up of 6-18 months (mean, 10 months). The postoperative X-ray and CT showed anatomic reduction (12 cases) or near anatomic reduction (4 cases); all fractures healed at 6 months after operation. The result of Lachman test was negative in the other 15 patients except 1 patient (Ⅱ degree). One patient had slight knee pain at 6 months postoperatively, and pain symptom disappeared after 1 year; the other cases resumed daily activities. Lysholm score at last follow-up was 98.13±2.34, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t=-20.801, P=0.000). ConclusionArthroscopic ULTRA-Braid suture plane fixation for ACL tibial eminence avulsion fractures is an effective procedure with the advantages of minimal trauma, reliable fixation, satisfactory functional recovery, and simultaneously avoiding the second surgery.
Objective To explore effectiveness of suture-bridge fixation under arthroscopy in treatment of tibial eminence avulsion fracture of anterior cruciate ligament in adolescents. Methods Between June 2013 and October 2016, 18 adolescent patients suffered from tibial eminence avulsion fracture of anterior cruciate ligament were treated by suture-bridge fixation under arthroscopy. There were 11 males and 7 females with an average age of 12.5 years (range, 5-17 years). The injury caused by bruise in 6 cases, by sprain in 4 cases, and by sport injury in 8 cases. The interval between injury and admission ranged from 2 hours to 10 months (median, 2 months). The results of preoperative Lachman and anterior drawer tests were positive. There were 10 cases of knee pain, 4 cases of knee extension limitation, and 4 cases of knee extension without strength. According to the Meyer-McKeever classification criteria, 12 cases were type Ⅱ and 6 cases were type Ⅲ. Results All incisions healed by first intention. All 18 patients were followed up 10-18 months after operation, with an average of 12 months. Postoperative X-ray films showed that all fractures healed after 6-12 weeks (mean, 8 weeks). The results of postoperative Lachman and anterior drawer tests were negative. At last follow-up, the Lysholm knee score was 90.1±5.0 and 93.1±6.2 for affected and unaffected sides, respectively, showing no signifi cant difference (t=0.669, P=0.184). There was no premature closure of skeleton or leg length discrepancy deformity. Conclusion For tibial eminence avulsion fracture of anterior cruciate ligament in adolescents, the suture-bridge fixation under arthroscopy is an effective method with many advantages, such as minimal invasion, reliable fixation, good fracture healing, and no need for second operation to remove implants.