Arthroscopic suture fixation of tibial eminence fractures

Tibial eminence avulsion fractures are relatively rare injuries, most frequently occurring in skeletally immature patients. Screws or suture fixation can be used, with each offering different potential advantages. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a suture fixation technique for displaced tibial eminence avulsion fractures using the Rotator Cuff Guide (RCG; Acufex Microsurgical, Mansfield, Massachusetts). In a 12-year period from 1998 to 2010, a total of 17 tibial avulsion fractures were treated using the RCG for suture fixation. Outcomes evaluated included pain at final assessment and findings from Lachman, drawer, pivot shift, flexion, extension, and varus/valgus stress tests. Demographic data, fracture type, mechanism of injury, and postoperative activity were obtained for 17 patients (16 males and 1 female) who underwent surgery during the study period. Average patient age was 16.8 years (range, 13-37 years). Average follow-up was 25 months (range, 2 months to 13 years). Postoperatively, all fractures in all patients were radiographically healed, and all patients had stable Lachman and negative pivot shift tests. Two patients had 3° of extension loss, and 1 patient lost greater than 10° of knee flexion. The length of follow-up was broad. Further limitations include a small sample size and suture versus T-Fix (Acufex Microsurgical, Mansfield, Massachusetts) fixation methods. This technique offers a simplified, reliable method of suture fixation that provides few long-term complications and predictable results. Patients can expect to return to preinjury levels of activity, with the majority of patients achieving full range of motion.