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Compartment syndrome complicating tibial tubercle avulsion
J M Pape1, J A Goulet, R N Hensinger
1University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|October 1, 1993
Summary
Tibial tubercle avulsion fractures, though uncommon, can lead to compartment syndrome in adolescent boys. This serious complication may arise from extensive soft tissue injury, necessitating its inclusion in the differential diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Pediatric trauma
- Musculoskeletal injuries
Background:
- Tibial tubercle avulsion fractures are uncommon physeal injuries in adolescents.
- Associated complications are generally infrequent.
- Compartment syndrome is a rare but severe complication following such fractures.
Observation:
- A case series of adolescent boys experiencing compartment syndrome post-tibial tubercle avulsion was reviewed.
- The extent of soft tissue injury surrounding the avulsion may be underestimated.
- Anatomical considerations of the proximal tibia and its vascular supply were analyzed.
Findings:
- Compartment syndrome occurred in adolescent males following tibial tubercle avulsion.
- The vascular anatomy, specifically branches of the anterior tibial recurrent artery, may predispose individuals to this complication.
- Tibial tubercle avulsion fractures can result in significant soft tissue compromise.
Implications:
- Compartment syndrome should be recognized as a potential complication of tibial tubercle avulsion fractures.
- This finding broadens the understanding of potential sequelae for this specific physeal injury.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for compartment syndrome in patients with tibial tubercle avulsion.