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

Abstract

AbstractThis 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.