Clinical outcome of arthroscopic suture fixation for tibial eminence fractures in adults.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of arthroscopic suture fixation for tibial eminence fractures in adults.

Methods: Twelve patients with a mean age of 29.9 years (range, 18 to 45 years) were prospectively followed up after arthroscopic suture fixation for tibial eminence fractures. Along with clinical examination, Lysholm, Tegner, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) rating scales were used to evaluate the patients. Anteroposterior knee laxity was measured with a Rolimeter (Aircast, Vista, CA), and range of motion was measured with a goniometer.

Results: Patients were followed up for a mean of 50 months (range, 25 to 69 months). There were no detectable signs or symptoms of instability postoperatively. The mean preinjury Tegner score was 6.1 (range, 3 to 9), and at follow-up, the mean Tegner score was 5.8 (range, 3 to 9). No Lysholm or IKDC scores were obtained and no range-of-motion measurements were performed preoperatively because all injuries were acute. The mean Lysholm score was 98 (range, 94 to 100), and the mean IKDC score was 94.7 (range, 89.1 to 100). Anterior translation of the tibia, measured with the Rolimeter, was 0.58 mm on average (range, 0 to 3 mm) compared with the healthy side. Postoperatively, the mean extension deficit was 1° (range, 0° to 5°) and the mean flexion deficit was 2.7° (range, 0° to 10°) compared with the unaffected side. Overall, knees were graded as normal or nearly normal in 11 patients and abnormal in 1.

Conclusions: Tibial eminence fractures in adults can be effectively treated with arthroscopic suture fixation.

Level Of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.