Follow-up study of arthroscopic reduction and fixation of type III tibial-eminence fractures

Nine children (average age, 13.1 years) with 10 displaced type III tibial-eminence fractures were reviewed with an average follow-up of 3.5 years. The fractures were treated with arthroscope-assisted reduction and suture fixation. Nine of the 10 knees demonstrated meniscal interposition at the fracture site that contributed to unsuccessful closed reduction. At follow-up, subjective knee function was excellent in all cases, and no clinical or objective evidence of knee laxity or instability was detected in any patient. All patients demonstrated full range of motion of the affected knee compared with the contralateral side.

Arthroscopic reduction and fixation allow early mobilization; assists in defining and treating associated knee pathology; assists in fracture reduction; and reduces the morbidity associated with arthrotomy.