Displaced tibial intercondylar eminence fractures

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Traumatology

Background:

• Tibial eminence fractures, involving the anterior cruciate ligament attachment site, occur in both pediatric and adult populations.
• These fractures can result from various sports and activities, leading to hemarthrosis and reduced range of motion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the outcomes of 19 patients treated for displaced tibial intercondylar eminence fractures.
• To identify risk factors, injury mechanisms, and common complications associated with these fractures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 19 patients (10 female, 9 male) with tibial eminence fractures (Type II and III).
• Patients included skeletally immature (6-15 years) and adult (19-55 years) age groups.
• Surgical interventions ranged from closed/open reduction to arthroscopic or open reduction with internal fixation.

Main Results:

• Skiing was the most common cause (n=7), particularly in adult females.
• Injury mechanisms included forced flexion/hyperextension with rotation and direct trauma.
• Knee stiffness (n=10) and extension impingement (n=7) were common complications, often linked to immobilization or open reduction and internal fixation.

Conclusions:

• Tibial eminence fractures have similar incidence in adults and children.
• Female skiers are identified as a high-risk group.
• Early range-of-motion exercises are recommended to mitigate stiffness and extension impingement.