Abstract
Background Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fractures are rare and difficult to treat. The present work aimed to examine the effect of an innovative arthroscopy method for the treatment of PCL tibial avulsion fractures using mini-plate reduction and fixation through two tibial tunnels and the posterior trans-septal portal.Methods Totally 19 patients (median age, 33 years; range, 23–43 years) with PCL tibial avulsion fractures who underwent treatment with an arthroscopic suture bridge method were retrospectively assessed. Knee function pre-operation and at last follow up was assessed via Lysholm and Tegner scores. A KT-2000 arthrometer was employed for determining knee stability, the range of motion (ROM), and side-to-side differences. Plain radiography and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) exams were performed for patient evaluation.Results No patient was switched to conventional open surgery due to difficult intraoperative procedures. Mean post-surgical Lysholm and Tegner scores (P < 0.001) were significantly improved in comparison with presurgical values. KT-2000 examination revealed markedly reduced side-to-side differences at last follow-up than observed preoperatively (1.2 ± 0.6 VS. 9.3 ± 2.2; P < 0.001). Radiography at the final follow up revealed solid union at the fracture site in the totality of 19 cases.Conclusions This new arthroscopy mini-plate fixation and posterior trans-septal method for posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fractures resulted in good clinico-radiological outcomes, with adequate stability and fracture site healing. It could be employed to repair avulsion fragments of various sizes.Level of evidence IV
A New Modified Open Posterior Approach for the Fixation of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Tibial Avulsion Fractures
