Arthroscopic Fixation for Tibial Eminence Fractures: Comparison of Double-Row and Transosseous Anchor Knot Fixation Techniques with Suture Anchors

Abstract

BackgroundTibial eminence fractures often occur during sports participation, but the optimum choice of technique for treatment is still controversial. The aim of the current work was to compare the clinical outcomes of 2 new arthroscopic anchor fixation techniques for tibial eminence fracture.Material/MethodsWe included 72 isolated tibial eminence fracture patients treated at our hospital from October 2010 to August 2015; 37 patients received the classic double-row (DR) suture anchor fixation technique and 35 received the transosseous anchor knot (TAK) fixation under arthroscopy. The clinical efficacies of the 2 techniques were assessed by radiographs, Lysholm score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score in follow-ups.ResultsPatients were followed for 37.6 months (range, 18–54 months). There was no significant difference of the operative time between groups (P=0.169). Postoperative radiographs of all patients showed accurate reduction and fracture healing within 3 months. Lysholm and IKDC scores improved significantly compared with preoperative scores (P<0.001). However, no significant difference in the knee range of motion or improvement of Lysholm and IKDC scores was found between groups (P>0.05).ConclusionsThe DR and TAK techniques provide precise reduction and stable fixation methods for treating tibial eminence fractures, and the clinical outcomes of the 2 arthroscopic techniques with suture anchors are satisfactory.

Arthroscopic fixation techniques for tibial eminence fractures in pediatric patients: a review

“…The authors concluded that this technique is suitable for all types of TEFs, and is able to apply uniform planar compression to the avulsed fracture fragments rather than the point compression fixation from a single row of anchor, thereby promoting fracture healing and preventing fragmentation. Although Mann et al did not state whether their case was adolescents or not, this technique was quickly recognized and widely accepted, with several variations of the procedure ultimately being derived (30)(31)(32)(33)(34). Overall, due to the increasing popularity of arthroscopic manipulation techniques, the fact that anchor technique results in little damage to the epiphysis and fixation is very stable, it has gained popularity in recent years, showing the potential to become a mainstream surgery in the future.…”

Tibial Spine Fracture Management - Technical Tips and Tricks from the Tibial Spine Fracture Research Interest Group

“…Each technique has its pros and cons. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] The goals of fracture fixation are early restoration of knee range of motion, minimization of ACL laxity, adequate stability to allow Abstract: Tibial spine/eminence fractures are uncommon fractures, usually seen in patients with open physes, and are considered as an equivalent to an ACL tear in adults. The aim of treatment is reduction of the fracture, restoring the ACL length for appropriate healing and avoiding complications.…”