Objective To analyze the effectiveness of minimally invasive safe approach of the knee joint in the treatment of avulsion fractures of the tibial insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Methods The clinical data of 26 patients with avulsion fractures of tibial insertion of PCL treated with open reduction and internal fixation via minimally invasive safe approach of the knee joint between February 2019 and March 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 18 males and 8 females with an average age of 45.5 years (range, 33-58 years). The causes of injury were traffic accident in 14 cases, falling from height in 7 cases, and sports injury in 5 cases. There were 15 cases of left knee and 11 cases of right knee. The preoperative Lysholm score of knee joint was 34.4±7.3 and the flexion range of motion of knee joint was (69±12)°. According to Meyers classification, there were 8 cases of type Ⅱ and 18 cases of type Ⅲ. The time from injury to operation ranged from 1 to 5 days, with an average of 2 days. ResultsThe operation time was 40-70 minutes, with an average of 55 minutes; the intraoperative blood loss was 10-30 mL, with an average of 15 mL. Delayed incision healing occurred in 1 case after operation, and the incision healed after conservative treatment, and the incisions of the other patients all healed by first intention. Postoperative X-ray films showed satisfactory fracture reduction. All 26 patients were followed up 3-30 months, with an average of 22 months. No complication such as neurovascular injury, infection, and knee extension disorder occurred after operation. X-ray films at 3 months after operation showed that all fractures healed without displacement of the fracture ends; the posterior drawer test was negative. At last follow-up, the flexion range of motion of knee joint was (120±9)°, the Lysholm score was 90.7±3.8, which were significantly improved when compared with those before operation (t=16.376, P<0.001; t=47.665, P<0.001). Conclusion The minimally invasive safe approach of the knee joint for the treatment of PCL tibial insertion avulsion fractures is easy to operate, with minimal surgical trauma, safe and reliable approach, and satisfactory recovery of knee joint function after operation.
ObjectiveTo analyze the possible injury mechanisms in patients with dorsal avulsion fracture of the capitellum combined with medial or posterior medial dislocation of the elbow joint, and to discuss their treatment and prognosis. Methods Retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 4 patients with dorsal avulsion fracture of the capitellum combined with medial or posterior medial dislocation of the elbow joint admitted between September 2014 and September 2020, including 3 males and 1 female with an average age of 20.7 years (range, 13-32 years). There were 2 cases of dorsal avulsion fracture of the capitellum combined with medial dislocation of the elbow joint and 2 cases of dorsal avulsion fracture of the capitellum and anterior medial fracture of the coronoid process combined with posterior medial subluxation of the elbow joint. Closed reduction was performed in 3 patients with fresh fracture combined with dislocation, then 2 cases were fixed with tension band and 1 case was fixed with tension band combined with Acumed coronoid anatomic plate. And in patient with old fracture nonunion, the coronoid process was fixed with 1 screw, then the humeral sclerotic bone mass was removed, and finally the lateral collateral ligament was repaired and a hinged external fixator was added. Results All the incisions healed by first intention without early complications such as infection or peripheral nerve injury. The 4 patients were followed up 13-30 months (mean, 20.8 months). The fractures all healed with a healing time of 70-90 days (mean, 79.5 days). At 6 months after operation, heterotopic ossification was seen in the posterior aspect of the right elbow joint in 1 case, and the alkaline phosphatase level was normal (67 U/L); the tension band was removed to clear the heterotopic ossification and the elbow joint was released. The rest of the patients had no heterotopic ossification. At last follow-up, all patients had good functional recovery of the elbow joint, with a Mayo score of 85-100 (mean, 92.5), and the excellent and good rate was 100%. The elbow flexion range of motion was 120°-135°, the extension range of motion was 10°-20°, and the pronation and supination range of motion were all 75°-85°. Conclusion Dorsal avulsion fractures of the capitellum combined with medial or posterior medial dislocation of the elbow may be due to simple varus stress. If an anteromedial coronoid facet fracture also occurs, it may be for the varus posteromedial rotatory instability, which is the opposite mechanism to that of an Osborne-Cotterill lesion. For fresh dorsal avulsion fractures of the capitellum, tension band fixation can be used with good results.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopic suspension fixation with Endobutton in the treatment of tibial insertion avulsion fractures of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 52 patients (52 knees) with tibial insertion avulsion fractures of PCL, who were treated by arthroscopic suspension fixation with Endobutton between June 2017 and October 2022. There were 29 males and 23 females, with an average age of 40.6 years (range, 19-66 years). There were 24 cases of traffic accident injuries, 17 cases of sports injuries, and 11 cases of fall injuries. The time from injury to operation ranged from 6 to 19 days (mean, 13.3 days). According to the Meyers-McKeever classification, there were 30 cases of type Ⅱ and 22 cases of type Ⅲ fractures. All patients exhibited positive posterior drawer test results. Preoperative knee joint function was assessed with Lysholm score (21.3±6.7), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score (20.7±5.8), and visual analogue scale (VAS) score (5.3±0.7); and knee joint range of motion was (41.73±3.17)°. Based on preoperative CT three-dimensional reconstruction measurements, the longitudinal diameter of the avulsed bone fragment ranged from 13 to 25 mm (mean, 18.1 mm). Operation time and occurrence of complications were recorded, and postoperative imaging was used to assess fracture healing. Knee joint function and pain severity were evaluated using knee joint range of motion, Lysholm score, IKDC score, and VAS score. Results The operation time ranged from 46 to 81 minutes (mean, 56.2 minutes). All patients were followed up 12-28 months (mean, 20.1 months). The iatrogenic fractures of bone fragments occurred during operation in 4 cases; and knee effusion occurred in 2 cases and anterior knee pain in 1 case after operation. All incisions healed by first intention. Imaging evaluations at 3 months after operation showed the fracture healing and no internal fixation failure. All patients demonstrated good knee function and had returned to normal activities at 12 months after operation. At last follow-up, the knee joint range of motion was (133.44±4.17)°, Lysholm score 93.6±3.1, IKDC score 93.4±2.5, and VAS score 1.0±0.6, with significant differences compared to preoperative scores (P<0.05). Conclusion Arthroscopic suspension fixation with Endobutton in the treatment of tibial insertion avulsion fractures of PCL is simple to operate, and the knee joint function recovers well.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopically assisted treatment of acute tibial insertion avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) via posteromedial incision. Methods Between January 2010 and January 2012, 22 patients with acute tibial insertion avulsion of the PCL underwent arthroscopic reduction and fixation via posteromedial incision. There were 14 males and 8 females with an average age of 32 years (range, 18-48 years). The injury causes included traffic accident injury in 14 cases, sport injury in 4 cases, and falling injury in 4 cases. The disease duration ranged from 7 to 16 days (mean, 10 days). Of 22 patient, 14 had simple PCL injury, 6 had PCL injury with meniscus injury, and 2 with cartilage injury. The results of posterior drawer test were positive in all patients. The preoperative Lysholm score was 51.1 ± 3.4. Results All incisions healed by first intention without infection, deep venous thrombosis of lower limbs, or vessel and nerve injuries. All patients were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 18.4 months). X-ray films showed that all fractures healed with the healing time of 2-4 months (mean, 3 months). The Lysholm score was improved to 96.0 ± 2.2 at 6 months after operation, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t=43.020, P=0.000). Conclusion Arthroscopically assisted treatment of acute tibial insertion avulsion fracture of the PCL via posteromedial incision is a safe, easy, and effective method.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of open reduction by mini incision and absorbable screw internal fixation for the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial eminence avulsion fracture. MethodsBetween January 2006 and July 2012, 90 patients (90 knees) with ACL tibial eminence avulsion fracture were treated. There were 58 males and 32 females, aged from 10 to 58 years with an average of 33.7 years. The causes of injury were traffic accident injury in 60 cases, sports injury in 22 cases, and falling injury in 8 cases. The disease duration was 1-365 days with a median of 106 days. Combined injuries included 14 cases of meniscus injury, 5 cases of medial collateral ligament injury, and 3 cases of avulsion fracture of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus. All patients underwent open reduction by mini incision and internal fixation with absorbable screw. Postoperative rehabilitation exercise was performed. ResultsTwo patients had delayed healing of incision, and others obtained primary healing. All the patients were followed up 6-72 months (mean, 40.1 months). X-ray examination showed that bone union was achieved in all patients at 3-12 months after operation; nail tail came off in 7 cases at 4-13 months after operation, and the nail tail was taken out under arthroscopy. At 6-12 months after operation, the range of motion (ROM), Tegner score, Lysholm score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score were significantly increased when compared with preoperative ones (P < 0.05). ConclusionA combination of open reduction by mini incision and absorbable screw internal fixation for the treatment of ACL tibial eminence avulsion fracture has the advantages of easy operation, firm fixation, and satisfactory functional rehabilitation, so it is a safe and effective method for the treatment of ACL tibial eminence avulsion fracture.
ObjectiveTo compare the early effectiveness of minimally invasive open reduction and internal fixation via posterior median approach versus arthroscopic double-tunnel suture fixation in treatment of tibial avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).MethodsA clinical data of 31 patients with the tibial avulsion fracture of the PCL and met the criteria between January 2015 and January 2019 was retrospectively analyzed. Nineteen patients (group A) were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with cannulated screw via posterior median approach. The other 12 patients (group B) were treated with arthroscopic double-tunnel suture fixation technique. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) in the gender, age, side of effected limb, the injury cause, the time from injury to operation, the combined meniscus injury, Meyers & McKeever classification and preoperative Lysholm score, Tegner score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and the difference of tibial posterior displacement between bilateral knees. The operation time, postoperative complications, fracture healing, and the difference of tibial posterior displacement between bilateral knees, Lysholm score, Tegner score, and IKDC score were recorded.ResultsGroup B spent significantly longer operation time than group A (t=7.347, P=0.000). No postoperative complication occurred in group B, and 1 patient in group A had a screw breakage. All patients were followed up 6-36 months (mean, 22 months). X-ray films showed that all fractures healed at 3 months after operation. At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in the patients with normal knee range of motion between the two groups (P=0.510). At last follow-up, the difference of tibial posterior displacement between bilateral knees, Lysholm score, Tegner score, and IKDC score in the two groups were superior to those before operation (P<0.05); while there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05).ConclusionFor the tibial avulsion fracture of PCL, the minimally invasive open reduction and internal fixation and arthroscopic double-tunnel suture fixation can obtain similar early effectiveness. However, arthroscopic surgery has the advantages of being able to simultaneously deal with intra-articular combined injuries, avoiding internal fixator complications, and eliminating the need for secondary operation.
Objective To investigate the early effectiveness of three-point suture technique in treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial eminence avulsion fracture by arthroscopy. Methods Between January 2016 and December 2017, 12 patients with ACL tibial eminence avulsion fractures underwent arthroscopic fixation of avulsion fractures with Ethibon suture using three-point suture technique. There were 9 males and 3 females, with an average of 36.4 years (range, 18-50 years). The fracture caused by traffic accident in 10 cases and sports in 2 cases. Among them, 1 patient was old fracture and 11 was fresh fracture. According to the modified Meyers-McKeever classification criteria, the fractures were rated as type Ⅲ in 7 cases and type Ⅳ in 5 cases. There were 2 cases of medial collateral ligament injury and medial meniscus injury. The preoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was 37.9±4.7 and Lysholm score was 46.0±3.7. Results All operations completed smoothly. The operation time was 45-70 minutes (mean, 61.3 minutes). The incisions healed by first intention in all patients. The hospitalization stays ranged from 4 to 9 days (mean, 5 days). All patients were followed up 3-20 months (mean, 9.3 months). The anterior drawer test, Lachman test, and axis shift test in all patients were negative after operation. At last follow-up, the IKDC score was 89.7±2.5 and Lysholm score was 90.2±1.9, which were significantly higher than those before operation (t=–30.94, P=0.00; t=–33.03, P=0.00). At last follow-up, the X-ray films showed 9 cases of fracture anatomical reduction and 3 cases of almost anatomical reduction, and 12 cases of fracture healing. Conclusion For ACL tibial eminence avulsion fracture, arthroscopic three-point suture technique can effectively restore the stability of knee joint and obtain satisfactory early effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo compare the early effectiveness of arthroscopic suture bridge technique and conventional double tunnel suture technique in the treatment of avulsion fracture of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) insertion.MethodsBetween June 2013 and December 2018, 62 patients with tibial avulsion fracture of PCL insertion that met the criteria were selected and randomly divided into trial group (using arthroscopic suture bridge technique) and control group (using conventional double tunnel suture technique), 31 cases in each group. There was no significant difference in gender, age, injured side, cause of injury, time from injury to operation, Meyers & McKeever classification, Kellgren-Lawrence classification, and preoperative knee range of motion, difference of posterior relaxation of bilateral knee joints, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and Lysholm score between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time and IKDC score, Lysholm score, knee range of motion, the difference of posterior relaxation of bilateral knee joints (measured by KT-2000 under knee flexion of 90° and 30 lbs) were recorded and compared between the two groups before operation and at 3 and 12 months after operation.ResultsBoth groups successfully completed the operation, and the operation time of the trial group and the control group were (61.81±6.83) minutes and (80.42±4.22) minutes respectively, showing significant difference between the two groups (t=12.911, P=0.000). All the incisions healed by first intention, and there was no wound infection and other early postoperative related complications. All patients were followed up 13-18 months (mean, 14.6 months). The fractures in both groups healed at 3 months after operation. No knee pain, limited movement, or other complications occurred. At 3 and 12 months after operation, the IKDC score, Lysholm score, knee range of motion, and the difference of posterior relaxation of bilateral knee joints in both groups were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones, and further improved at 12 months after operation when compared with at 3 months after operation (P<0.05). At each time point after operation, the above indexes and the grade of the difference of posterior relaxation of bilateral knee joints in the trial group were significantly better than those in the control group (P<0.05).ConclusionArthroscopic suture bridge technique in the treatment avulsion fracture of PCL insertion is simple and reliable, which can significantly improve the function and stability of the knee joint and obtain satisfactory early effectiveness.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of one-stage closed reduction and elastic compression fixation with double Kirschner wires for Wehbe-Schneider types ⅠB and ⅡB bony mallet fingers. Methods Between May 2017 and June 2020, 21 patients with Wehbe-Schneider type ⅠB and ⅡB bony mallet fingers were treated with one-stage closed reduction and elastic compression fixation using double Kirschner wires. There were 15 males and 6 females with an average age of 39.2 years (range, 19-62 years). The causes of injury were sports injury in 9 cases, puncture injury in 7 cases, and sprain in 5 cases. The time from injury to admission was 5-72 hours (mean, 21.0 hours). There were 2 cases of index finger injury, 8 cases of middle finger injury, 9 cases of ring finger injury, and 2 cases of little finger injury. The angle of active dorsiflexion loss of distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) was (40.04±4.02)°. According to the Wehbe-Schneider classification standard, there were 10 cases of typeⅠB and 11 cases of type ⅡB. The Kirschner wire was removed at 6 weeks after operation when X-ray film reexamination showed bony union of the avulsion fracture, and the functional exercise of the affected finger was started. Results The operation time was 35-55 minutes (mean, 43.9 minutes). The length of hospital stay was 2-5 days (mean, 3.4 days). No postoperative complications occurred. All patients were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 8.8 months). X-ray films reexamination showed that all avulsion fractures achieved bony union after 4-6 weeks (mean, 5.3 weeks). Kirschner wire was removed at 6 weeks after operation. After Kirschner removal, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score of pain during active flexion of the DIPJ was 1-3 (mean, 1.6); the VAS score of pain was 2-5 (mean, 3.1) when the DIPJ was passively flexed to the maximum range of motion. The angle of active dorsiflexion loss of affected finger was (2.14±2.54)°, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative angle (t=52.186, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the active flexion angle between the affected finger (79.52±6.31)° and the corresponding healthy finger (81.90±5.36)° (t=1.319, P=0.195). At 6 months after operation, according to Crawford functional evaluation criteria, the effectiveness was rated as excellent in 11 cases, good in 9, and fair in 1, with an excellent and good rate of 95.24%. Conclusion For Wehbe-Schneider typesⅠB and ⅡB bony mallet fingers, one-stage closed reduction and elastic compression fixation with double Kirschner wires can effectively correct the deformity and has the advantages of simple surgery, no incision, and no influence on the appearance of the affected finger.
Objective To evaluate the surgical techniques and effectiveness of arthroscopic treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial eminence avulsion fracture with non-absorbable suture fixation combined with the mini-plate. Methods Between January 2009 and March 2012, 32 patients with ACL tibial eminence avulsion fractures were treated. There were 18 males and 14 females, aged 12-40 years (mean, 17.5 years). The injury causes included traffic accident injury in 15 cases, sport injury in 6 cases, and falling injury in 11 cases. The time from injury to operation ranged 7-18 days with an average of 9.5 days. Before operation, the results of Lachman test were all positive; the Lysholm score was 52.13 ± 4.22 and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was 44.82 ± 2.44. According to Meyers-McKeever classification criteria, there were 12 cases of type II and 20 cases of type III. After arthroscopic poking reduction of fracture, tibial eminence avulsion fractures were fixed with the Ethibond non-absorbable sutures bypass figure-of-eight tibial tunnel combined with the metacarpal and phalangeal mini-plate. Results Primary healing was obtained in all incisions; no joint infection or skin necrosis occurred after operation. All patients were followed up with an average time of 22.4 months (range, 12-50 months). The patients showed negative Lachman test at 12 weeks after operation. Except 3 patients having knee extension limitation at last follow-up, the knee extension range of motion (ROM) was normal in the other patients; the knee flexion ROM was normal in all patients. The Lysholm score and IKDC score were significantly improved to 94.19 ± 0.93 and 94.35 ± 1.22 at last follow-up, showing significant differences when compared with preoperative values (t=55.080, P=0.000; t=101.715, P=0.000). Conclusion The arthroscopic treatment of ACL tibial eminence avulsion fracture with Ethibond non-absorbable suture fixation combined with mini-plate is an effective procedure with the advantages of minimal trauma, reliable fixation, and satisfactory recovery of the knee joint function.