Fracture of the tibial tubercle

Abstract

Tibial tubercle fractures are uncommon and rarely occur after closure of the proximal tibial epiphysis. A study of 15 such injuries, all unilateral, showed the age range to be from 12 to 16 years. All injuries were sustained during athletic activities or vigorous play. All of the 15 injuries were treated by open reduction and internal fixation, followed by plaster immobilization for approximately 6 weeks. No early complications occurred, and no later deformities, such as genu recur vatum as reported by Blout, were de tected. All patients returned to normal activity including, in some cases, varsity athletics.