Segond tibial condyle fracture: lateral capsular ligament avulsion

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Radiology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Avulsion fractures occur when stress on bone-ligament attachments causes fractures.
• The lateral tibial condyle is susceptible to such injuries due to forces on the lateral capsular ligament.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a specific avulsion fracture of the lateral tibial condyle.
• To highlight its diagnostic significance in knee trauma evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of anteroposterior radiographs of traumatized knees.
• Description of the typical fracture fragment's location, size, and appearance.

Main Results:

• A consistent, small (10 x 3 mm) elliptical avulsion fracture is identified on the lateral tibial condyle.
• This fracture is located 4 mm distal to the subarticular cortex and associated with hemarthrosis.
• The fracture signifies major lateral joint capsule injury and is linked to anterior cruciate ligament rupture.

Conclusions:

• This specific lateral tibial condyle avulsion fracture is a reliable indicator of significant knee joint injury.
• Radiographic identification of this fragment aids in diagnosing associated ligamentous damage, particularly to the anterior cruciate ligament.