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Simultaneous bilateral tibial tubercle avulsion fracture
D C Maar1, C B Kernek, R O Pierce
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46223.
Orthopedics
|November 1, 1988
Summary
Bilateral simultaneous tibial tubercle avulsion fractures are rare injuries. This case report details a successful surgical fixation and subsequent screw removal due to pain in a teenage athlete.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Background:
- Tibial tubercle avulsion fractures are uncommon injuries, particularly when occurring bilaterally and simultaneously.
- Watson-Jones Type III fractures involve the entire tibial tubercle apophysis.
Observation:
- A 16-year-old male basketball player experienced bilateral simultaneous tibial tubercle avulsion fractures (Watson-Jones Type III) after jumping.
- The patient underwent successful open reduction and internal fixation with screws for both fractures.
Findings:
- Surgical fixation achieved fracture union.
- The patient later required hardware removal due to persistent knee pain and tenderness over the fixation screws.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare injury pattern in adolescent athletes.
- It underscores the potential for complications, such as pain and tenderness, necessitating hardware removal after tibial tubercle fracture fixation.