[Arthroscopic treatment of tibial eminence fracture with figure-of-eight suture fixation technique].

Objective: To introduce the arthroscopic technique of figure-of-eight suture fixation for tibial eminence fracture, and to report its clinical results.

Methods: From January 1998 to June 2001, 21 cases of tibial eminence fracture were treated arthroscopically with figure-of-eight suture fixation technique. Active rehabilitation began one week after operation. The patients were followed up 6-24 months. The reduction and union of fracture, knee laxity, range of motion, and total knee function were evaluated.

Results: All fracture healed without displacement six weeks after operation. Three months postoperatively, no knee laxity or instability was detected in all patients; full range of motion of the affected knee returned in all patients when compared with the normal side. Six months postoperatively, the Lysholm knee score was 93.4 +/- 2.7.

Conclusion: Arthroscopic treatment of tibial eminence fracture with figure-of-eight suture fixation technique is reliable for fracture reduction, fixation and early mobilization. Arthroscopy is conducive to diagnoses and treatment of associated knee arthropathy, reduces the morbidity associated with arthrotomy, and restores knee function to the greatest extent when combined with figure-of-eight suture fixation techniques.