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Take-Home Points
- Technique provides optimal fixation while simultaneously protecting open growth plates.
- Self tensioning feature insures both optimal ACL tension and fracture reduction.
- No need for future hardware removal.
- 10Cross suture configuration optimizes strength of fixation for highly consistent results.
- Use fluoroscopy to avoid violation of tibial physis.
Generally occurring in the 8- to 14-year-old population, tibial eminence avulsion (TEA) fractures are a common variant of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures and represent 2% to 5% of all knee injuries in skeletally immature individuals.1,2 Compared with adults, children likely experience this anomaly more often because of the weakness of their incompletely ossified tibial plateau relative to the strength of their native ACL.3
The open repair techniques that have been described have multiple disadvantages, including open incisions, difficult visualization of the fracture owing to the location of the fat pad, and increased risk for arthrofibrosis. Arthroscopic fixation is considered the treatment of choice for TEA fractures because it allows for direct visualization of injury, accurate reduction of fracture fragments, removal of loose fragments, and easy treatment of associated soft-tissue injuries.4-6Several fixation techniques for ACL-TEA fractures were recently described: arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) with Kirschner wires,7 cannulated screws,4 the Meniscus Arrow device (Bionx Implants),8 pull-out sutures,9,10 bioabsorbable nails,11 Herbert screws,12 TightRope fixation (Arthrex),13 and various other rotator cuff and meniscal repair systems.14,15 These approaches tend to have good outcomes for TEA fractures, but there are risks associated with ACL tensioning and potential tibial growth plate violation or hardware problems. Likewise, there are no studies with large numbers of patients treated with these new techniques, so the optimal method of reduction and fixation is still unknown.
In this article, we describe a new ARIF technique that involves 2 absorbable anchors with adjustable suture-tensioning technology. This technique optimizes reduction and helps surgeons avoid proximal tibial physeal damage, procedure-related morbidity, and additional surgery.
Case Report
History
The patient, an 8-year-old boy, sustained a noncontact twisting injury of the left knee during a cutting maneuver in a flag football game. He experienced immediate pain and subsequent swelling. Clinical examination revealed a moderate effusion with motion limitations secondary to swelling and irritability. The patient’s Lachman test result was 2+. Pivot shift testing was not possible because of guarding. The knee was stable to varus and valgus stress at 0° and 30° of flexion. Limited knee flexion prohibited placement of the patient in the position needed for anterior and posterior drawer testing. His patella was stable on lateral stress testing at 20° of flexion with no apprehension. Neurovascular status was intact throughout the lower extremity.
Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs showed a minimally displaced Meyers-McKeever type II TEA fracture (Figures 1A, 1B). 
After discussing potential treatment options with the parents, Dr. Smith proceeded with arthroscopic surgery for definitive reduction and internal fixation of the patient’s left knee displaced ACL-TEA fracture. The new adjustable suture-tensioning fixation technique was used. The patient’s guardian provided written informed consent for print and electronic publication of this case report.
Examination Under Anesthesia
Examination with the patient under general anesthesia revealed 3+ Lachman, 2+ pivot shift with foot in internal and external rotation, and 1+ anterior drawer with foot in neutral and internal rotation. The knee was stable to varus and valgus stress testing.
Surgical Technique
Proper patient positioning and padding of bony prominences were ensured, and the limb was sterilely prepared and draped. 
Given the young age of the patient, it was imperative to avoid the open proximal tibial growth plate. The surgical plan for stabilization involved use of two 3.0-mm BioComposite Knotless SutureTak anchors (Arthrex). This anchor configuration is based on a No. 2 FiberWire suture shuttled through itself to create a locking splice mechanism that allows for adjustable tensioning. The anchors were placed on each side of the tibial bony avulsion site with two No. 2 FiberWire sutures and were then crossed about the avulsion fracture fragment in an “x-type” configuration to secure the ACL back down to the bony bed.
First, a curette was used to débride fibrous tissue on the underside of the fracture fragment and on the fracture bed. Minimal amounts of cancellous bone were débrided from the tibial fracture bed to optimize fracture reduction by slightly recessing the fracture fragment to ensure optimal ACL tensioning (Figure 5). 
Next, from the accessory superior medial portal, the end of the wire that had been passed through the medial aspect of the bony avulsion was retrieved through the lateral portal. This wire was used to shuttle the repair suture from the laterally positioned SutureTak anchor over and through the medial aspect of the bony fragment out of the accessory superior medial (Figure 7).
Follow-Up
Two weeks after surgery, the patient returned to clinic for suture removal. Four weeks after surgery, radiographs confirmed anatomical reduction of the TEA fracture, and outpatient physical therapy (range-of-motion exercises as tolerated) and isometric quadriceps strengthening were instituted. Twelve weeks after surgery, examination revealed full knee motion, negative Lachman and pivot shift test results, and residual quadriceps muscle atrophy, and radiographs confirmed complete fracture healing with maintenance of a normal proximal tibial growth plate (Figures 10A, 10B).
Discussion
The highlight of this case is the simplicity of an excellent reduction of a displaced ACL-TEA fracture. Minimally invasive absorbable implants did not violate the proximal tibial physis, and the unique adjustable suture-tensioning technology allowed the degree of reduction and ACL tension to be “dialed in.” SutureTak implants have strong No. 2 FiberWire suture for excellent stability with an overall small suture load, and their small size avoids the risk of violating the proximal tibial physis and avoids potential growth disturbances.
Despite the obvious risks it poses to the open proximal tibial physis, surgical reduction of Meyers-McKeever type II and type III fractures is the norm for restoring ACL stability. Screws and suture fixation are the most common and reliable methods of TEA fracture reduction.16,17 In recent systematic reviews, however, Osti and colleagues17 and Gans and colleagues18 noted there is not enough evidence to warrant a “gold standard” in pediatric tibial avulsion cases.
Other fixation methods for TEA fractures must be investigated. Anderson and colleagues19 described the biomechanics of 4 different physeal-sparing avulsion fracture reduction techniques: an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) suture-suture button, a suture anchor, a polydioxanone suture-suture button, and screw fixation. Using techniques described by Kocher and colleagues,4 Berg,20 Mah and colleagues,21 Vega and colleagues,22 and Lu and colleagues,23 Anderson and colleagues19 reduced TEA fractures in skeletally immature porcine knees. Compared with suture anchors, UHMWPE suture-suture buttons provided biomechanically superior cyclic and load-to-failure results as well as more consistent fixation.
Screw fixation has shown good results but has disadvantages. Incorrect positioning of a screw can lead to impingement and articular cartilage damage, and screw removal may be needed if discomfort at the fixation site persists.24,25 Likewise, screws generally are an option only for large fracture fragments, as there is an inherent risk of fracturing small TEA fractures, which can be common in skeletally immature patients.
Brunner and colleagues26 recently found that TEA fracture repair with absorbable sutures and distal bone bridge fixation yielded 3-month radiographic and clinical healing rates similar to those obtained with nonabsorbable sutures tied around a screw. However, other authors have reported growth disturbances with use of a similar technique, owing to a disturbance of the open proximal tibial growth plate.9 In that regard, a major advantage of this new knotless suturing technique is that distal fixation is not necessary.
The minimally invasive TEA fraction reduction technique described in this article has 6 advantages: It provides excellent fixation while avoiding proximal tibial growth plate injury; the degree of tensioning is easily controlled during reduction; it uses strong suture instead of metal screws or pins; the reduction construct is low-profile; distal fixation is unnecessary; and implant removal is unnecessary, thus limiting subsequent surgical intervention. With respect to long-term outcomes, however, it is not known how this procedure will compare with other commonly used ARIF methods in physeal-sparing techniques for TEA fracture fixation.
This case report highlights a novel pediatric displaced ACL-TEA fracture reduction technique that allows for adjustable reduction and resultant ACL tensioning with excellent strong suture fixation without violating the proximal tibial physis, which could make it invaluable in the surgical treatment of this injury in skeletally immature patients.
Am J Orthop. 2017;46(4):203-208. Copyright Frontline Medical Communications Inc. 2017. All rights reserved.
1. Eiskjaer S, Larsen ST, Schmidt MB. The significance of hemarthrosis of the knee in children. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 1988;107(2):96-98.
2. Luhmann SJ. Acute traumatic knee effusions in children and adolescents. J Pediatr Orthop. 2003;23(2):199-202.
3. Woo SL, Hollis JM, Adams DJ, Lyon RM, Takai S. Tensile properties of the human femur-anterior cruciate ligament-tibia complex. The effects of specimen age and orientation. Am J Sports Med. 1991;19(3):217-225.
4. Kocher MS, Foreman ES, Micheli LJ. Laxity and functional outcome after arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation of displaced tibial spine fractures in children. Arthroscopy. 2003;19(10):1085-1090.
5. Lubowitz JH, Elson WS, Guttmann D. Part II: arthroscopic treatment of tibial plateau fractures: intercondylar eminence avulsion fractures. Arthroscopy. 2005;21(1):86-92.
6. Vargas B, Lutz N, Dutoit M, Zambelli PY. Nonunion after fracture of the anterior tibial spine: case report and review of the literature. J Pediatr Orthop B. 2009;18(2):90-92.
7. Sommerfeldt DW. Arthroscopically assisted internal fixation of avulsion fractures of the anterior cruciate ligament during childhood and adolescence [in German]. Oper Orthop Traumatol. 2008;20(4-5):310-320.
8. Wouters DB, de Graaf JS, Hemmer PH, Burgerhof JG, Kramer WL. The arthroscopic treatment of displaced tibial spine fractures in children and adolescents using Meniscus Arrows®. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2011;19(5):736-739.
9. Ahn JH, Yoo JC. Clinical outcome of arthroscopic reduction and suture for displaced acute and chronic tibial spine fractures. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2005;13(2):116-121.
10. Huang TW, Hsu KY, Cheng CY, et al. Arthroscopic suture fixation of tibial eminence avulsion fractures. Arthroscopy. 2008;24(11):1232-1238.
11. Liljeros K, Werner S, Janarv PM. Arthroscopic fixation of anterior tibial spine fractures with bioabsorbable nails in skeletally immature patients. Am J Sports Med. 2009;37(5):923-928.
12. Wiegand N, Naumov I, Vamhidy L, Not LG. Arthroscopic treatment of tibial spine fracture in children with a cannulated Herbert screw. Knee. 2014;21(2):481-485.
13. Faivre B, Benea H, Klouche S, Lespagnol F, Bauer T, Hardy P. An original arthroscopic fixation of adult’s tibial eminence fractures using the Tightrope® device: a report of 8 cases and review of literature. Knee. 2014;21(4):833-839.
14. Kluemper CT, Snyder GM, Coats AC, Johnson DL, Mair SD. Arthroscopic suture fixation of tibial eminence fractures. Orthopedics. 2013;36(11):e1401-e1406.
15. Ochiai S, Hagino T, Watanabe Y, Senga S, Haro H. One strategy for arthroscopic suture fixation of tibial intercondylar eminence fractures using the Meniscal Viper Repair System. Sports Med Arthrosc Rehabil Ther Technol. 2011;3:17.
16. Bogunovic L, Tarabichi M, Harris D, Wright R. Treatment of tibial eminence fractures: a systematic review. J Knee Surg. 2015;28(3):255-262.
17. Osti L, Buda M, Soldati F, Del Buono A, Osti R, Maffulli N. Arthroscopic treatment of tibial eminence fracture: a systematic review of different fixation methods. Br Med Bull. 2016;118(1):73-90.
18. Gans I, Baldwin KD, Ganley TJ. Treatment and management outcomes of tibial eminence fractures in pediatric patients: a systematic review. Am J Sports Med. 2014;42(7):1743-1750.
19. Anderson CN, Nyman JS, McCullough KA, et al. Biomechanical evaluation of physeal-sparing fixation methods in tibial eminence fractures. Am J Sports Med. 2013;41(7):1586-1594.
20. Berg EE. Pediatric tibial eminence fractures: arthroscopic cannulated screw fixation. Arthroscopy. 1995;11(3):328-331.
21. Mah JY, Otsuka NY, McLean J. An arthroscopic technique for the reduction and fixation of tibial-eminence fractures. J Pediatr Orthop. 1996;16(1):119-121.
22. Vega JR, Irribarra LA, Baar AK, Iniguez M, Salgado M, Gana N. Arthroscopic fixation of displaced tibial eminence fractures: a new growth plate-sparing method. Arthroscopy. 2008;24(11):1239-1243.
23. Lu XW, Hu XP, Jin C, Zhu T, Ding Y, Dai LY. Reduction and fixation of the avulsion fracture of the tibial eminence using mini-open technique. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2010;18(11):1476-1480.
24. Bonin N, Jeunet L, Obert L, Dejour D. Adult tibial eminence fracture fixation: arthroscopic procedure using K-wire folded fixation. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2007;15(7):857-862.
25. Senekovic V, Veselko M. Anterograde arthroscopic fixation of avulsion fractures of the tibial eminence with a cannulated screw: five-year results. Arthroscopy. 2003;19(1):54-61.
26. Brunner S, Vavken P, Kilger R, et al. Absorbable and non-absorbable suture fixation results in similar outcomes for tibial eminence fractures in children and adolescents. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2016;24(3):723-729.
Take-Home Points
- Technique provides optimal fixation while simultaneously protecting open growth plates.
- Self tensioning feature insures both optimal ACL tension and fracture reduction.
- No need for future hardware removal.
- 10Cross suture configuration optimizes strength of fixation for highly consistent results.
- Use fluoroscopy to avoid violation of tibial physis.
Generally occurring in the 8- to 14-year-old population, tibial eminence avulsion (TEA) fractures are a common variant of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures and represent 2% to 5% of all knee injuries in skeletally immature individuals.1,2 Compared with adults, children likely experience this anomaly more often because of the weakness of their incompletely ossified tibial plateau relative to the strength of their native ACL.3
The open repair techniques that have been described have multiple disadvantages, including open incisions, difficult visualization of the fracture owing to the location of the fat pad, and increased risk for arthrofibrosis. Arthroscopic fixation is considered the treatment of choice for TEA fractures because it allows for direct visualization of injury, accurate reduction of fracture fragments, removal of loose fragments, and easy treatment of associated soft-tissue injuries.4-6Several fixation techniques for ACL-TEA fractures were recently described: arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) with Kirschner wires,7 cannulated screws,4 the Meniscus Arrow device (Bionx Implants),8 pull-out sutures,9,10 bioabsorbable nails,11 Herbert screws,12 TightRope fixation (Arthrex),13 and various other rotator cuff and meniscal repair systems.14,15 These approaches tend to have good outcomes for TEA fractures, but there are risks associated with ACL tensioning and potential tibial growth plate violation or hardware problems. Likewise, there are no studies with large numbers of patients treated with these new techniques, so the optimal method of reduction and fixation is still unknown.
In this article, we describe a new ARIF technique that involves 2 absorbable anchors with adjustable suture-tensioning technology. This technique optimizes reduction and helps surgeons avoid proximal tibial physeal damage, procedure-related morbidity, and additional surgery.
Case Report
History
The patient, an 8-year-old boy, sustained a noncontact twisting injury of the left knee during a cutting maneuver in a flag football game. He experienced immediate pain and subsequent swelling. Clinical examination revealed a moderate effusion with motion limitations secondary to swelling and irritability. The patient’s Lachman test result was 2+. Pivot shift testing was not possible because of guarding. The knee was stable to varus and valgus stress at 0° and 30° of flexion. Limited knee flexion prohibited placement of the patient in the position needed for anterior and posterior drawer testing. His patella was stable on lateral stress testing at 20° of flexion with no apprehension. Neurovascular status was intact throughout the lower extremity.
Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs showed a minimally displaced Meyers-McKeever type II TEA fracture (Figures 1A, 1B).
After discussing potential treatment options with the parents, Dr. Smith proceeded with arthroscopic surgery for definitive reduction and internal fixation of the patient’s left knee displaced ACL-TEA fracture. The new adjustable suture-tensioning fixation technique was used. The patient’s guardian provided written informed consent for print and electronic publication of this case report.
Examination Under Anesthesia
Examination with the patient under general anesthesia revealed 3+ Lachman, 2+ pivot shift with foot in internal and external rotation, and 1+ anterior drawer with foot in neutral and internal rotation. The knee was stable to varus and valgus stress testing.
Surgical Technique
Proper patient positioning and padding of bony prominences were ensured, and the limb was sterilely prepared and draped.
Given the young age of the patient, it was imperative to avoid the open proximal tibial growth plate. The surgical plan for stabilization involved use of two 3.0-mm BioComposite Knotless SutureTak anchors (Arthrex). This anchor configuration is based on a No. 2 FiberWire suture shuttled through itself to create a locking splice mechanism that allows for adjustable tensioning. The anchors were placed on each side of the tibial bony avulsion site with two No. 2 FiberWire sutures and were then crossed about the avulsion fracture fragment in an “x-type” configuration to secure the ACL back down to the bony bed.
First, a curette was used to débride fibrous tissue on the underside of the fracture fragment and on the fracture bed. Minimal amounts of cancellous bone were débrided from the tibial fracture bed to optimize fracture reduction by slightly recessing the fracture fragment to ensure optimal ACL tensioning (Figure 5).
Next, from the accessory superior medial portal, the end of the wire that had been passed through the medial aspect of the bony avulsion was retrieved through the lateral portal. This wire was used to shuttle the repair suture from the laterally positioned SutureTak anchor over and through the medial aspect of the bony fragment out of the accessory superior medial (Figure 7).
Follow-Up
Two weeks after surgery, the patient returned to clinic for suture removal. Four weeks after surgery, radiographs confirmed anatomical reduction of the TEA fracture, and outpatient physical therapy (range-of-motion exercises as tolerated) and isometric quadriceps strengthening were instituted. Twelve weeks after surgery, examination revealed full knee motion, negative Lachman and pivot shift test results, and residual quadriceps muscle atrophy, and radiographs confirmed complete fracture healing with maintenance of a normal proximal tibial growth plate (Figures 10A, 10B).
Discussion
The highlight of this case is the simplicity of an excellent reduction of a displaced ACL-TEA fracture. Minimally invasive absorbable implants did not violate the proximal tibial physis, and the unique adjustable suture-tensioning technology allowed the degree of reduction and ACL tension to be “dialed in.” SutureTak implants have strong No. 2 FiberWire suture for excellent stability with an overall small suture load, and their small size avoids the risk of violating the proximal tibial physis and avoids potential growth disturbances.
Despite the obvious risks it poses to the open proximal tibial physis, surgical reduction of Meyers-McKeever type II and type III fractures is the norm for restoring ACL stability. Screws and suture fixation are the most common and reliable methods of TEA fracture reduction.16,17 In recent systematic reviews, however, Osti and colleagues17 and Gans and colleagues18 noted there is not enough evidence to warrant a “gold standard” in pediatric tibial avulsion cases.
Other fixation methods for TEA fractures must be investigated. Anderson and colleagues19 described the biomechanics of 4 different physeal-sparing avulsion fracture reduction techniques: an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) suture-suture button, a suture anchor, a polydioxanone suture-suture button, and screw fixation. Using techniques described by Kocher and colleagues,4 Berg,20 Mah and colleagues,21 Vega and colleagues,22 and Lu and colleagues,23 Anderson and colleagues19 reduced TEA fractures in skeletally immature porcine knees. Compared with suture anchors, UHMWPE suture-suture buttons provided biomechanically superior cyclic and load-to-failure results as well as more consistent fixation.
Screw fixation has shown good results but has disadvantages. Incorrect positioning of a screw can lead to impingement and articular cartilage damage, and screw removal may be needed if discomfort at the fixation site persists.24,25 Likewise, screws generally are an option only for large fracture fragments, as there is an inherent risk of fracturing small TEA fractures, which can be common in skeletally immature patients.
Brunner and colleagues26 recently found that TEA fracture repair with absorbable sutures and distal bone bridge fixation yielded 3-month radiographic and clinical healing rates similar to those obtained with nonabsorbable sutures tied around a screw. However, other authors have reported growth disturbances with use of a similar technique, owing to a disturbance of the open proximal tibial growth plate.9 In that regard, a major advantage of this new knotless suturing technique is that distal fixation is not necessary.
The minimally invasive TEA fraction reduction technique described in this article has 6 advantages: It provides excellent fixation while avoiding proximal tibial growth plate injury; the degree of tensioning is easily controlled during reduction; it uses strong suture instead of metal screws or pins; the reduction construct is low-profile; distal fixation is unnecessary; and implant removal is unnecessary, thus limiting subsequent surgical intervention. With respect to long-term outcomes, however, it is not known how this procedure will compare with other commonly used ARIF methods in physeal-sparing techniques for TEA fracture fixation.
This case report highlights a novel pediatric displaced ACL-TEA fracture reduction technique that allows for adjustable reduction and resultant ACL tensioning with excellent strong suture fixation without violating the proximal tibial physis, which could make it invaluable in the surgical treatment of this injury in skeletally immature patients.
Am J Orthop. 2017;46(4):203-208. Copyright Frontline Medical Communications Inc. 2017. All rights reserved.
Take-Home Points
- Technique provides optimal fixation while simultaneously protecting open growth plates.
- Self tensioning feature insures both optimal ACL tension and fracture reduction.
- No need for future hardware removal.
- 10Cross suture configuration optimizes strength of fixation for highly consistent results.
- Use fluoroscopy to avoid violation of tibial physis.
Generally occurring in the 8- to 14-year-old population, tibial eminence avulsion (TEA) fractures are a common variant of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures and represent 2% to 5% of all knee injuries in skeletally immature individuals.1,2 Compared with adults, children likely experience this anomaly more often because of the weakness of their incompletely ossified tibial plateau relative to the strength of their native ACL.3
The open repair techniques that have been described have multiple disadvantages, including open incisions, difficult visualization of the fracture owing to the location of the fat pad, and increased risk for arthrofibrosis. Arthroscopic fixation is considered the treatment of choice for TEA fractures because it allows for direct visualization of injury, accurate reduction of fracture fragments, removal of loose fragments, and easy treatment of associated soft-tissue injuries.4-6Several fixation techniques for ACL-TEA fractures were recently described: arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) with Kirschner wires,7 cannulated screws,4 the Meniscus Arrow device (Bionx Implants),8 pull-out sutures,9,10 bioabsorbable nails,11 Herbert screws,12 TightRope fixation (Arthrex),13 and various other rotator cuff and meniscal repair systems.14,15 These approaches tend to have good outcomes for TEA fractures, but there are risks associated with ACL tensioning and potential tibial growth plate violation or hardware problems. Likewise, there are no studies with large numbers of patients treated with these new techniques, so the optimal method of reduction and fixation is still unknown.
In this article, we describe a new ARIF technique that involves 2 absorbable anchors with adjustable suture-tensioning technology. This technique optimizes reduction and helps surgeons avoid proximal tibial physeal damage, procedure-related morbidity, and additional surgery.
Case Report
History
The patient, an 8-year-old boy, sustained a noncontact twisting injury of the left knee during a cutting maneuver in a flag football game. He experienced immediate pain and subsequent swelling. Clinical examination revealed a moderate effusion with motion limitations secondary to swelling and irritability. The patient’s Lachman test result was 2+. Pivot shift testing was not possible because of guarding. The knee was stable to varus and valgus stress at 0° and 30° of flexion. Limited knee flexion prohibited placement of the patient in the position needed for anterior and posterior drawer testing. His patella was stable on lateral stress testing at 20° of flexion with no apprehension. Neurovascular status was intact throughout the lower extremity.
Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs showed a minimally displaced Meyers-McKeever type II TEA fracture (Figures 1A, 1B).
After discussing potential treatment options with the parents, Dr. Smith proceeded with arthroscopic surgery for definitive reduction and internal fixation of the patient’s left knee displaced ACL-TEA fracture. The new adjustable suture-tensioning fixation technique was used. The patient’s guardian provided written informed consent for print and electronic publication of this case report.
Examination Under Anesthesia
Examination with the patient under general anesthesia revealed 3+ Lachman, 2+ pivot shift with foot in internal and external rotation, and 1+ anterior drawer with foot in neutral and internal rotation. The knee was stable to varus and valgus stress testing.
Surgical Technique
Proper patient positioning and padding of bony prominences were ensured, and the limb was sterilely prepared and draped.
Given the young age of the patient, it was imperative to avoid the open proximal tibial growth plate. The surgical plan for stabilization involved use of two 3.0-mm BioComposite Knotless SutureTak anchors (Arthrex). This anchor configuration is based on a No. 2 FiberWire suture shuttled through itself to create a locking splice mechanism that allows for adjustable tensioning. The anchors were placed on each side of the tibial bony avulsion site with two No. 2 FiberWire sutures and were then crossed about the avulsion fracture fragment in an “x-type” configuration to secure the ACL back down to the bony bed.
First, a curette was used to débride fibrous tissue on the underside of the fracture fragment and on the fracture bed. Minimal amounts of cancellous bone were débrided from the tibial fracture bed to optimize fracture reduction by slightly recessing the fracture fragment to ensure optimal ACL tensioning (Figure 5).
Next, from the accessory superior medial portal, the end of the wire that had been passed through the medial aspect of the bony avulsion was retrieved through the lateral portal. This wire was used to shuttle the repair suture from the laterally positioned SutureTak anchor over and through the medial aspect of the bony fragment out of the accessory superior medial (Figure 7).
Follow-Up
Two weeks after surgery, the patient returned to clinic for suture removal. Four weeks after surgery, radiographs confirmed anatomical reduction of the TEA fracture, and outpatient physical therapy (range-of-motion exercises as tolerated) and isometric quadriceps strengthening were instituted. Twelve weeks after surgery, examination revealed full knee motion, negative Lachman and pivot shift test results, and residual quadriceps muscle atrophy, and radiographs confirmed complete fracture healing with maintenance of a normal proximal tibial growth plate (Figures 10A, 10B).
Discussion
The highlight of this case is the simplicity of an excellent reduction of a displaced ACL-TEA fracture. Minimally invasive absorbable implants did not violate the proximal tibial physis, and the unique adjustable suture-tensioning technology allowed the degree of reduction and ACL tension to be “dialed in.” SutureTak implants have strong No. 2 FiberWire suture for excellent stability with an overall small suture load, and their small size avoids the risk of violating the proximal tibial physis and avoids potential growth disturbances.
Despite the obvious risks it poses to the open proximal tibial physis, surgical reduction of Meyers-McKeever type II and type III fractures is the norm for restoring ACL stability. Screws and suture fixation are the most common and reliable methods of TEA fracture reduction.16,17 In recent systematic reviews, however, Osti and colleagues17 and Gans and colleagues18 noted there is not enough evidence to warrant a “gold standard” in pediatric tibial avulsion cases.
Other fixation methods for TEA fractures must be investigated. Anderson and colleagues19 described the biomechanics of 4 different physeal-sparing avulsion fracture reduction techniques: an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) suture-suture button, a suture anchor, a polydioxanone suture-suture button, and screw fixation. Using techniques described by Kocher and colleagues,4 Berg,20 Mah and colleagues,21 Vega and colleagues,22 and Lu and colleagues,23 Anderson and colleagues19 reduced TEA fractures in skeletally immature porcine knees. Compared with suture anchors, UHMWPE suture-suture buttons provided biomechanically superior cyclic and load-to-failure results as well as more consistent fixation.
Screw fixation has shown good results but has disadvantages. Incorrect positioning of a screw can lead to impingement and articular cartilage damage, and screw removal may be needed if discomfort at the fixation site persists.24,25 Likewise, screws generally are an option only for large fracture fragments, as there is an inherent risk of fracturing small TEA fractures, which can be common in skeletally immature patients.
Brunner and colleagues26 recently found that TEA fracture repair with absorbable sutures and distal bone bridge fixation yielded 3-month radiographic and clinical healing rates similar to those obtained with nonabsorbable sutures tied around a screw. However, other authors have reported growth disturbances with use of a similar technique, owing to a disturbance of the open proximal tibial growth plate.9 In that regard, a major advantage of this new knotless suturing technique is that distal fixation is not necessary.
The minimally invasive TEA fraction reduction technique described in this article has 6 advantages: It provides excellent fixation while avoiding proximal tibial growth plate injury; the degree of tensioning is easily controlled during reduction; it uses strong suture instead of metal screws or pins; the reduction construct is low-profile; distal fixation is unnecessary; and implant removal is unnecessary, thus limiting subsequent surgical intervention. With respect to long-term outcomes, however, it is not known how this procedure will compare with other commonly used ARIF methods in physeal-sparing techniques for TEA fracture fixation.
This case report highlights a novel pediatric displaced ACL-TEA fracture reduction technique that allows for adjustable reduction and resultant ACL tensioning with excellent strong suture fixation without violating the proximal tibial physis, which could make it invaluable in the surgical treatment of this injury in skeletally immature patients.
Am J Orthop. 2017;46(4):203-208. Copyright Frontline Medical Communications Inc. 2017. All rights reserved.
1. Eiskjaer S, Larsen ST, Schmidt MB. The significance of hemarthrosis of the knee in children. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 1988;107(2):96-98.
2. Luhmann SJ. Acute traumatic knee effusions in children and adolescents. J Pediatr Orthop. 2003;23(2):199-202.
3. Woo SL, Hollis JM, Adams DJ, Lyon RM, Takai S. Tensile properties of the human femur-anterior cruciate ligament-tibia complex. The effects of specimen age and orientation. Am J Sports Med. 1991;19(3):217-225.
4. Kocher MS, Foreman ES, Micheli LJ. Laxity and functional outcome after arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation of displaced tibial spine fractures in children. Arthroscopy. 2003;19(10):1085-1090.
5. Lubowitz JH, Elson WS, Guttmann D. Part II: arthroscopic treatment of tibial plateau fractures: intercondylar eminence avulsion fractures. Arthroscopy. 2005;21(1):86-92.
6. Vargas B, Lutz N, Dutoit M, Zambelli PY. Nonunion after fracture of the anterior tibial spine: case report and review of the literature. J Pediatr Orthop B. 2009;18(2):90-92.
7. Sommerfeldt DW. Arthroscopically assisted internal fixation of avulsion fractures of the anterior cruciate ligament during childhood and adolescence [in German]. Oper Orthop Traumatol. 2008;20(4-5):310-320.
8. Wouters DB, de Graaf JS, Hemmer PH, Burgerhof JG, Kramer WL. The arthroscopic treatment of displaced tibial spine fractures in children and adolescents using Meniscus Arrows®. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2011;19(5):736-739.
9. Ahn JH, Yoo JC. Clinical outcome of arthroscopic reduction and suture for displaced acute and chronic tibial spine fractures. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2005;13(2):116-121.
10. Huang TW, Hsu KY, Cheng CY, et al. Arthroscopic suture fixation of tibial eminence avulsion fractures. Arthroscopy. 2008;24(11):1232-1238.
11. Liljeros K, Werner S, Janarv PM. Arthroscopic fixation of anterior tibial spine fractures with bioabsorbable nails in skeletally immature patients. Am J Sports Med. 2009;37(5):923-928.
12. Wiegand N, Naumov I, Vamhidy L, Not LG. Arthroscopic treatment of tibial spine fracture in children with a cannulated Herbert screw. Knee. 2014;21(2):481-485.
13. Faivre B, Benea H, Klouche S, Lespagnol F, Bauer T, Hardy P. An original arthroscopic fixation of adult’s tibial eminence fractures using the Tightrope® device: a report of 8 cases and review of literature. Knee. 2014;21(4):833-839.
14. Kluemper CT, Snyder GM, Coats AC, Johnson DL, Mair SD. Arthroscopic suture fixation of tibial eminence fractures. Orthopedics. 2013;36(11):e1401-e1406.
15. Ochiai S, Hagino T, Watanabe Y, Senga S, Haro H. One strategy for arthroscopic suture fixation of tibial intercondylar eminence fractures using the Meniscal Viper Repair System. Sports Med Arthrosc Rehabil Ther Technol. 2011;3:17.
16. Bogunovic L, Tarabichi M, Harris D, Wright R. Treatment of tibial eminence fractures: a systematic review. J Knee Surg. 2015;28(3):255-262.
17. Osti L, Buda M, Soldati F, Del Buono A, Osti R, Maffulli N. Arthroscopic treatment of tibial eminence fracture: a systematic review of different fixation methods. Br Med Bull. 2016;118(1):73-90.
18. Gans I, Baldwin KD, Ganley TJ. Treatment and management outcomes of tibial eminence fractures in pediatric patients: a systematic review. Am J Sports Med. 2014;42(7):1743-1750.
19. Anderson CN, Nyman JS, McCullough KA, et al. Biomechanical evaluation of physeal-sparing fixation methods in tibial eminence fractures. Am J Sports Med. 2013;41(7):1586-1594.
20. Berg EE. Pediatric tibial eminence fractures: arthroscopic cannulated screw fixation. Arthroscopy. 1995;11(3):328-331.
21. Mah JY, Otsuka NY, McLean J. An arthroscopic technique for the reduction and fixation of tibial-eminence fractures. J Pediatr Orthop. 1996;16(1):119-121.
22. Vega JR, Irribarra LA, Baar AK, Iniguez M, Salgado M, Gana N. Arthroscopic fixation of displaced tibial eminence fractures: a new growth plate-sparing method. Arthroscopy. 2008;24(11):1239-1243.
23. Lu XW, Hu XP, Jin C, Zhu T, Ding Y, Dai LY. Reduction and fixation of the avulsion fracture of the tibial eminence using mini-open technique. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2010;18(11):1476-1480.
24. Bonin N, Jeunet L, Obert L, Dejour D. Adult tibial eminence fracture fixation: arthroscopic procedure using K-wire folded fixation. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2007;15(7):857-862.
25. Senekovic V, Veselko M. Anterograde arthroscopic fixation of avulsion fractures of the tibial eminence with a cannulated screw: five-year results. Arthroscopy. 2003;19(1):54-61.
26. Brunner S, Vavken P, Kilger R, et al. Absorbable and non-absorbable suture fixation results in similar outcomes for tibial eminence fractures in children and adolescents. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2016;24(3):723-729.
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13. Faivre B, Benea H, Klouche S, Lespagnol F, Bauer T, Hardy P. An original arthroscopic fixation of adult’s tibial eminence fractures using the Tightrope® device: a report of 8 cases and review of literature. Knee. 2014;21(4):833-839.
14. Kluemper CT, Snyder GM, Coats AC, Johnson DL, Mair SD. Arthroscopic suture fixation of tibial eminence fractures. Orthopedics. 2013;36(11):e1401-e1406.
15. Ochiai S, Hagino T, Watanabe Y, Senga S, Haro H. One strategy for arthroscopic suture fixation of tibial intercondylar eminence fractures using the Meniscal Viper Repair System. Sports Med Arthrosc Rehabil Ther Technol. 2011;3:17.
16. Bogunovic L, Tarabichi M, Harris D, Wright R. Treatment of tibial eminence fractures: a systematic review. J Knee Surg. 2015;28(3):255-262.
17. Osti L, Buda M, Soldati F, Del Buono A, Osti R, Maffulli N. Arthroscopic treatment of tibial eminence fracture: a systematic review of different fixation methods. Br Med Bull. 2016;118(1):73-90.
18. Gans I, Baldwin KD, Ganley TJ. Treatment and management outcomes of tibial eminence fractures in pediatric patients: a systematic review. Am J Sports Med. 2014;42(7):1743-1750.
19. Anderson CN, Nyman JS, McCullough KA, et al. Biomechanical evaluation of physeal-sparing fixation methods in tibial eminence fractures. Am J Sports Med. 2013;41(7):1586-1594.
20. Berg EE. Pediatric tibial eminence fractures: arthroscopic cannulated screw fixation. Arthroscopy. 1995;11(3):328-331.
21. Mah JY, Otsuka NY, McLean J. An arthroscopic technique for the reduction and fixation of tibial-eminence fractures. J Pediatr Orthop. 1996;16(1):119-121.
22. Vega JR, Irribarra LA, Baar AK, Iniguez M, Salgado M, Gana N. Arthroscopic fixation of displaced tibial eminence fractures: a new growth plate-sparing method. Arthroscopy. 2008;24(11):1239-1243.
23. Lu XW, Hu XP, Jin C, Zhu T, Ding Y, Dai LY. Reduction and fixation of the avulsion fracture of the tibial eminence using mini-open technique. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2010;18(11):1476-1480.
24. Bonin N, Jeunet L, Obert L, Dejour D. Adult tibial eminence fracture fixation: arthroscopic procedure using K-wire folded fixation. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2007;15(7):857-862.
25. Senekovic V, Veselko M. Anterograde arthroscopic fixation of avulsion fractures of the tibial eminence with a cannulated screw: five-year results. Arthroscopy. 2003;19(1):54-61.
26. Brunner S, Vavken P, Kilger R, et al. Absorbable and non-absorbable suture fixation results in similar outcomes for tibial eminence fractures in children and adolescents. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2016;24(3):723-729.
