Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of arthroscopic treatment
of nonunited anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial avulsion fracture with a figure-of-8
suture fixation technique. Methods: Nineteen cases of nonunited ACL tibial avulsion fracture were treated with an arthroscopic
figure-of-8 suture fixation technique. The patients were followed up and evaluated
according to the International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm, and Tegner rating
scales. Results: The time interval between the previous injury and this operation was 1 to 8 years,
with a mean of 3.6 years. Eighteen patients were followed up for more than 2 years
(range, 24 to 30 months; mean, 26 months). The fracture was united within 3 months
after surgery in all cases. At the latest follow-up, there was neither extension nor
flexion limitation in all patients. With the exception of 1 patient who had a 1° positive
Lachman test with a firm end-point, all of the patients had a negative Lachman test.
The side-to-side difference in knee anterior laxity was 0 to 2 mm in 17 patients and
4 mm in 1 patient. The Lysholm score was 91 to 100, with a mean of 96.7 ± 1.9 (compared
with 74.3 ± 4.6 before surgery, P < .05). Fifteen patients returned to their former activity level. The Tegner scores
before injury, preoperatively, and at latest follow-up were 6.1 ± 0.6, 3.6 ± 1.0,
and 6.0 ± 0.8, respectively; there was no statistically significant difference between
the preinjury and postoperative Tegner scores (P > .05). According to the International Knee Documentation Committee scale, 17 patients’
knees were graded as normal and 1 patient’s knee was nearly normal. Conclusions: Arthroscopic treatment of nonunited ACL tibial avulsion fracture with a figure-of-8
suture fixation technique can ensure fracture healing and restore the stability and
function of the joint in most patients. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.
Key Words
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The authors report no conflict of interest.
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© 2007 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
