Publication Date
8-1-2023
Journal
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Operative treatment of displaced tibial spine fractures consists of fixation and reduction of the fragment in addition to restoring tension of the anterior cruciate ligament.
PURPOSE: To determine whether residual displacement of the anterior portion of a tibial spine fragment affects the range of motion (ROM) or laxity in operatively and nonoperatively treated patients.
STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.
METHODS: Data were gathered from 328 patients younger than 18 years who were treated for tibial spine fractures between 2000 and 2019 at 10 institutions. ROM and anterior lip displacement (ALD) measurements were summarized and compared from pretreatment to final follow-up. ALD measurements were categorized as excellent (0 to <1 >mm), good (1 to <3 >mm), fair (3 to 5 mm), or poor (>5 mm). Posttreatment residual laxity and arthrofibrosis were assessed.
RESULTS: Overall, 88% of patients (290/328) underwent operative treatment. The median follow-up was 8.1 months (range, 3-152 months) for the operative group and 6.7 months (range, 3-72 months) for the nonoperative group. The median ALD measurement of the cohort was 6 mm pretreatment, decreasing to 0 mm after treatment (
CONCLUSION: Residual ALD was not associated with posttreatment subjective residual laxity, extension loss, or flexion loss. The results suggest that anatomic reduction of a tibial spine fracture may not be mandatory if knee stability and functional ROM are achieved.
Keywords
anatomic reduction, anterior lip, pediatric knee, tibial spine fracture
Comments
PMID: 37655244