Heterotopic Ossification after Open Anchor Fixation of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament Avulsion in a Multiligament Injury of the Knee: A Case Report

Introduction: Heterotopic ossifications (HO) are a well-recognized but infrequently encountered condition. In the lower limb, the literature commonly reports the formation of HO around the hip after surgeries. However, HO is uncommon around the knee and a rare complication after open fixation of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fracture. Case Report:Here, we describe a case of HO in a 42-year-old patient with multiligament injury, including PCL and arcuate ligament avulsion, partial ACL tear, and medial meniscus root tear with suspected vascular compromise. He underwent open reduction and internal fixation of PCL avulsion fracture and medial meniscus root repair after the injury. At a 6-week follow-up, a plain radiograph revealed posterior capsule HO which kept increasing over successive follow-ups compromising his knee function. The patient was not willing for any mode of intervention for the same at any given time. Conclusion:HO after open PCL avulsion fixation is an uncommon entity. This article sheds light on how open fixation of PCL bony avulsion in a multiligament injured knee could result in a HO. Keywords: Posterior cruciate ligament avulsion, multiligament injury, open fixation, suture anchor, heterotopic ossification, posterior capsule.

Double Row Absorbable Anchor Bridge Suture Versus Hollow Nails for Treating Acute Posterior Cruciate Ligament Avulsion Fracture

Objective To compare the outcomes of open reduction through double row absorbable anchor bridge suture with hollow nails for acute posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fracture. Methods From May 2015 to May 2019, 35 patients with acute PCL avulsion fractures were treated by open reduction through double row absorbable anchor bridge suture or hollow nails. There were 15 cases in double row absorbable anchor group and 20 cases in hollow nails group. The operation time, incision length, postoperative ambulation time, hospitalization expenses, healing time of fracture and Lysholm score of patients at the last follow-up were compared between the two groups. Result All the patients in both group had operation perfromed smoothly without serious complication. The operation time in double row absorbable anchor group was (77.33±9.88) min which was longer compared to (59.75±7.86) min in the hollow nails group (p＜0.05). The hospitalization expenses indouble row absorbable anchor group was (28132±2096)yuan which was higher compared to (15904±1113) yuan in the hollow nails group (p＜0.05).The postoperative ambulation time in double row absorbable anchor group was (2.07±0.70) d which was shorter compared to (3.80±1.64) d in the hollow nails group (p＜0.05). There were no significant difference between the two groups in incision length, healing time of fracture and Lysholm score of patients at the last follow-up (p＞0.05). Conclusion Both open reduction through double row absorbable anchor bridge suture and hollow nails for acute PCL avulsion fracture have good clinical result. Double row absorbable anchor bridge suture had advantage of reliable fixation and shorter postoperative ambulation time incision length, however, hollow nails fixation had advantages of less operation time and lower hospitalization expenses.

What is the impact of knee morphology on posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fracture in men and women: a case control study

Background Several studies on the relationship between morphological parameters and traumatic diseases of the knee have already been conducted. However, few studies focused on the association between knee morphology and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fracture in adults. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of knee morphology on PCL avulsion fracture. Methods 76 patients (comprised 40 men and 36 women) with PCL avulsion fracture and 76 age- and sex-matched controls without PCL avulsion fracture were studied from 2012 to 2020. MRI measurements of the knee were acquired in the sagittal, coronal, and axial planes. The assessed measurements including intercondylar notch width index, coronal tibial slope, and medial/lateral posterior tibial slopes were compared between men and women, and between case and control groups respectively using independent sample t-tests. In addition, binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors of PCL avulsion fracture. Results Except notch width index (coronal) (p = 0.003) in the case groups, there was no statistical difference in the assessed measurements including notch width index (axial), coronal tibial slope, medial posterior tibial slope, and lateral posterior tibial slope between men and women in the case and control groups (p > 0.05). When female patients were analyzed, the notch width index (coronal) was significantly smaller (p = 0.0004), the medial posterior tibial slope (p = 0.018) and the lateral posterior tibial slope (p = 0.033) were significantly higher in the case group. The binary logistic regression analysis showed that the notch width index (coronal) (B = -0.347, OR = 0.707, p = 0.003) was found to be an independent factor of PCL avulsion fracture. However, none of the assessed measurements was found to have a statistical difference between the case and control groups in men (p > 0.05). Conclusions Notch width index (coronal), medial posterior tibial slope, and lateral posterior tibial slope were found to affect PCL avulsion fracture in women, but no such measurements affected the PCL avulsion fracture in men. Furthermore, a smaller notch width index (coronal) in women was found to be a risk factor in PCL avulsion fracture.

Arthroscopy Mini-plate Fixation with the Posterior Trans-septal Portal for Treating Posterior Cruciate Ligament Tibial Avulsion Fractures

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

Treatment of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Tibial Avulsion: A New Modified Open Direct Lateral Posterior Approach

The optimal operative technique for the treatment of the tibial-side avulsion injuries of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is debatable. This study was aimed to evaluate the postoperative outcomes and complications if any after an open direct, posterolateral approach using cannulated cancellous screw fixation of a PCL tibial avulsion. From January 2016 to June 2018, 17 patients (14 males and 3 females) with PCL avulsion fraction treatment—who underwent open reduction and internal fixation using cannulated cancellous screws—were included in this prospective study. A direct posterolateral approach in the prone position was used in all cases. The Lysholm's knee score and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score were assessed preoperatively and during regular follow-up examinations for at least 1 year (12–20 months) postoperatively. All patients had fracture union and all of their knees were stable upon physical examination. No nerve or blood vessel injuries occurred. The mean Lysholm's scores and mean IKDC scores were improved significantly at the last follow-up. This study provides evidence that open direct posterolateral approach may be reliable for the treatment of tibial-sided bony PCL avulsion fractures. This approach can provide direct visualization of the posterior capsule and PCL avulsion site associated with good reduction and stable fixation, easy application of the screws directly from posterior to anteriorly without extensive soft tissue damage. Nevertheless, long-term follow-up is recommended.

A Surgical Reduction Technique for Posterior Cruciate Ligament Avulsion Fracture in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Comparison Study

Background: Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fracture of tibia is an uncommon but serious complication during primary cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The first objective of this report was to conduct a retrospective cohort study to investigate the incidence and potential risk factors of PCL avulsion fracture in primary cruciate-retaining TKA. The second objective was to assess the functional outcomes of the knee after reduction of PCL avulsion fracture.Methods: From January 2014 to January 2016, 56 patients who experienced PCL avulsion fracture of tibia in primary cruciate-retaining TKA were included in study group. Patients in this group underwent reduction of avulsion fracture. In this period, we selected 224 patients (control group) for comparison. Patients in this group also underwent the same TKA but no PCL avulsion fracture occurred. Range of motion of the knee and Knee Society Scores were assessed. The forgotten joint score was used to analyze the ability to forget the joint. Differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05.Results: In our series, the incidence of PCL avulsion fracture was 4.6%. There was no significant differences (p > 0.05) with regard to preoperative or postoperative range of motion of the knee, final 4 year mean clinical score in study and control groups 92.4 ± 2.7 and 93.6 ± 1.9, respectively, and mean functional scores of 85.1 ± 1.8 and 87.1 ± 1.2, respectively.Conclusions: The incidence of PCL avulsion fracture of tibia is relatively high. Older age and female gender were two risk factors of fracture in primary cruciate-retaining TKA. Reduction of PCL avulsion fracture with high-strength line can achieve good stability and function of the knee.

What is the impact of knee morphology on posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fracture in men and women: a case control study

Background Several studies on the relationship between morphological parameters and traumatic diseases of the knee have already been conducted. However, few studies focused on the association between knee morphology and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fracture in adults. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of knee morphology on PCL avulsion fracture and determine risk factors in men and women separately. Methods A retrospective case-control study of 48 patients (comprised 25 men and 23 women) with PCL avulsion fracture compared with 48 age- and sex-matched controls was performed from 2012 to 2018. MRI measurements of the knee were acquired in the sagittal, coronal, and axial sequences. The assessed measurements including intercondylar notch width index, medial/lateral posterior tibial slopes, and coronal tibial slope were compared between case and control groups in both women and men. Univariable and binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors that were associated with PCL avulsion fracture. Results When female patients were analyzed, the notch width index (coronal) was significantly smaller, and the lateral posterior tibial slope was significantly higher in the case group. The binary logistic regression analysis showed that the notch width index (coronal) (B = -0.307, OR = 0.735, p = 0.025) was found to be an independent factor. When male patients were analyzed, no radiographic parameter was found to have a statistical difference between the case and control groups. Conclusions Notch width index (coronal) and lateral posterior tibial slope were found to affect PCL avulsion fracture in women, but no such measurements affected the PCL avulsion fracture in men. Furthermore, a smaller notch width index (coronal) in women was found to be a risk factor in PCL avulsion fracture.