Short-term outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament tibial insertion avulsion fractures treated with a single tunnel using a double-strand suture anchor under arthroscopy: a single-center retrospective study

Abstract

Background Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial insertion avulsion fractures cause instability of the knee joint, and minimally invasive techniques are the first choice for treating this type of intra-articular injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effect of a minimally invasive technique which treated ACL tibial insertion avulsion fractures under arthroscopy by a single tunnel with a double-strand suture anchor. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 29 patients with ACL tibial insertion avulsion fractures treated with this minimally invasive technique from January 2014 to June 2018. All patients were followed up for 12 months. X-ray were taken intermittently to determine fracture reduction and healing. During the follow-up period, CT and MRI were performed to evaluate reduction and healing. The Lachman test and ADT were performed by the same doctor to determine knee joint stability. The IKDC subjective score were used to evaluate postoperative knee function recovery Results All patients healed well without infection、fracture nonunion and instability. The preoperative IKDC subjective score was 51.24 ± 3.16; the IKDC subjective score at the last follow-up was 92.93 ± 2.59 (P < 0.05). Conclusions Within the limitations of this study, a single tunnel with a double-strand suture anchor under arthroscopy for the treatment of ACL tibial insertion avulsion fracture was a simple procedure. The procedure caused minimal trauma,had firm fixation, ensured quick recovery and provided satisfactory clinical results.