Type IIIB Tibial Tubercle Avulsion Fracture: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pediatric Sports Medicine
• Skeletal Trauma

Background:

• Tibial tubercle avulsion fractures are rare injuries primarily affecting adolescent males during sports.
• The injury mechanism involves forceful quadriceps contraction during proximal tibial physis closure, causing avulsion at the patellar tendon insertion.
• Treatment varies from conservative casting to surgical intervention based on fracture classification and displacement.

Observation:

• A 14-year-old male presented with a tibial tubercle avulsion fracture.
• Initial radiographic assessment misclassified the fracture as Ogden type IB, when it was actually type IIIB.
• The patient underwent surgical treatment with open reduction and cannulated screw fixation.

Findings:

• The misdiagnosis of the Ogden type IIIB fracture highlights potential challenges in radiographic interpretation.
• Surgical intervention, specifically open reduction and cannulated screw osteosynthesis, proved effective for this complex fracture pattern.
• The patient achieved an excellent outcome following a comprehensive 12-week rehabilitation program.

Implications:

• Accurate and timely diagnosis of tibial tubercle avulsion fractures is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.
• Surgical management may be necessary for complex or misdiagnosed Ogden type IIIB fractures.
• This case underscores the importance of thorough evaluation and appropriate surgical techniques in pediatric orthopedic trauma.