Long-term outcomes of arthroscopic suture fixation for anterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fracture

Abstract

Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial avulsion fracture is one of the most common knee injury. There are many classical procedures to be available for fixation ACL tibial avulsion fracture. Nowaday, arthroscopic suture fixation for ACL tibial avulsion fracture has many advantages and limits complications effecting knee joint. Objective: To evaluate long-term outcomes of arthroscopic suture fixation for anterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fracture. Subject and method: Thirty six patients with ACL tibial avulsion fracture (types II, III, IV), mean age of 33.8 years (range from 22 to 46 years) were prospectively followed up after arthroscopic suture fixation for anterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion. Along with clinical examination, radiographs, Lysholm score, IKDC classification were used to evaluate the patients. Anteroposterior knee laxity was measured with a KT-1000. Result: Patients were followed up for a mean of 14.46 months (range, 6 to 24 months). At final follow-up, the mean Lysholm score was 92 (range, 81 to 100). 34 patients (94.5%) were classified by IKDC score as normal or nearly normal (grade A or B). The IKDC classification was abnormal (grade C) in 2 patients (5.6%). Anterior translation of the tibia, measured with the KT-1000, was 1.69mm on average (range, 0 to 6mm) compared to the healthy side. All 36 fractures achieved union within 3 months. Conclusion: Treating ACL avulsion fracture with arthroscopic suture fixation can restore ACL length, stabilize fragments, promote early motion.