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J Knee Surg 2023; 36(02): 132-138
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1731326
Original Article

A New Arthroscopic Tightrope Suture-Button Fixation Procedure for Tibial Eminence Avulsion Fracture

Authors

  • Changjiao Sun 

    1   Department of Orthopaedic, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

  • Ruiyong Du

    1   Department of Orthopaedic, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

  • Song Luo

    2   Southern Medical District of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China

  • Lianxu Chen

    1   Department of Orthopaedic, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

  • Qi Ma

    1   Department of Orthopaedic, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

  • Xu Cai

    1   Department of Orthopaedic, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

Funding None.
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Abstract

This case-series outcome study presents a new arthroscopic technique for tibial eminence avulsion fracture (TEAF) with double-tunnel using two tightrope suture buttons. From May 2017 to July 2020, we performed a new arthroscopic technique for TEAF with double tunnels, using two tightrope suture buttons on 13 patients. Clinical assessments included anterior drawer, Lachman, and pivot shift tests, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm knee scores, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and range of motion (ROM). An independent observer noted conditions before surgery and during the last follow-up. The patients had an average follow-up of 26.2 months, ranging from 15 to 37 months. During the last postsurgical follow-up, the anterior drawer, Lachman, and pivot shift tests were negative in all the cases. According to the IKDC, Lysholm, and VAS final scores, all patients presented a significant knee function improvement at last follow-ups compared with preoperatively. The study shows that satisfactory results about an anatomic reduction of the fragment, knee stability, function, and strength can be achieved with the new arthroscopic technique for TEAF with double tunnels using two tightrope suture buttons. This study is a therapeutic case series and its level of evidence is IV.

Keywords

arthroscopy - tibial eminence avulsion fractures - anterior cruciate ligament - suture pull out - TightRope

Authors' Contributions

C.S. was the guarantor of integrity of the entire study. C.S. and X.C. provided the study concepts. C.S. also designed the study. C.S., R.D., and Q.M carried out the literature research. C.S. and R.D. contributed in data acquisition. R.D. and C.S. performed data analysis/interpretation. S.L. and C.S. performed statistical analysis. C.S. prepared the manuscript as well as edited it, and provided definition of intellectual content. X.C. carried out manuscript revision/review. All the authors approved the final manuscript version.




Publication History

Received: 04 August 2020

Accepted: 01 May 2021

Article published online:
29 June 2021

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