Posterior cruciate ligament avulsion from the tibia: fixation by a posteromedial approach

The authors present their experience with a posteromedial approach for fixation of posterior cruciate ligament avulsion from the tibia. The approach is easy, safe and demands no great technical prowess or instruments. Some minor modifications and technical tips for a safer exposure and a better fixation are highlighted. This is a reproducible method for achieving good stability in these avulsion fractures, where early intervention prevents significant late disability. Even in cases delayed up to 3 months we advocate fixation after gradual intra-operative traction and multiple longitudinal stab incidisons, if the ligament with the attached bony fragment has retracted proximally. A single 4-mm screw gives sufficient initial stabilisation to allow supervised mobilisation. A high index of suspicion should be maintained in all dash-board injuries presenting with femoral shaft fractures, especially when the patella is also fractured. The diagnosis may be missed in the acute setting if the bony avulsion is not adequately appreciated; routine MRI in this situation is a good option.