Arthroscopic staple fixation in the management of displaced anterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures

Abstract

Introduction: Knee injuries are commonly associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) avulsion fractures and its management is controversial ranging from conservative treatment to arthroscopic fixation. The purpose of our study was to ass ess the clinical and radiological results of arthroscopic staple fixation in the management of ACL avulsion fractures. Materials and Methods: This study included twenty -two patients (17 males and 5 females) who were analyzed after undergoing arthroscopic staple fixation for displaced ACL avulsion fractures. The mean age was 32.2 years (15-55 years. The mean follow up was of 21 months (6-36 months). The patients were assessed clinically by calculating their Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores. Radiological union was assessed in the follow up radiographs. Results: The mean Lysholm score was 95.4 (83-100) and the mean IKDC score was 91.1 (77-100) at the final follow up. Anterior drawer's test was negative in 20 patients at the end of final follow up while two patients had grade I laxity. Seven cases had associated knee injuries. The final outcome was not greatly influenced by the presence of associated injuries when treated simultaneously. It was found that all the patients when examined at their final follow up were able to return to their pre-injury occupation. Conclusion:The procedure of arthroscopic staple fixation in the management of displaced ACL avulsion fractures was found to be safe and reliable method for producing clinical and radiological outcome.