Acute Tibial Tuberosity Avulsion Fracture in a Male Adolescent Footballer: A Case Report

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Acute tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures are a rare injury and can occur in sporting adolescent athletes. CASE PRESENTATION: As the player (a footballer playing in central defense) kicked a ball, they suffered an acute tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture while planting their left leg. OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP: The player underwent open reduction and internal fixation surgery to stabilize the fracture site. A progressive 5-stage rehabilitation program followed. The player returned to competitive games 42 weeks after injury. Given the limited research into rehabilitation approaches following these injuries, the purpose of this case study was to provide an accessible framework of rehabilitation to guide practitioners in the future. A loss of 8° range of motion in knee flexion was observed; however, no other side effects were observed throughout the rehabilitation. DISCUSSION: Good clinical outcomes have been previously reported for such injuries, which this case study would further support. JOSPT Cases 2023;3(1):1–7. Epub: 4 November 2022. doi:10.2519/josptcases.2022.11421