Combined Avulsion Fracture of the Tibial Tuberosity and Lateral Tibial Plateau in an Adolescent: Case Report

Abstract

Avulsion of the tibial tuberosity is uncommon. It is usually an athletic injury, accounting for less than 3% of all epiphyseal injuries. We report the case of an avulsion fracture of the tibial tuberosity with unusual articular involvement of the lateral tibial plateau treated with open reduction and internal fixation using cancellous screws. The result was excellent, with complete union of the fracture site, full range of movement at three months and return to normal athletic activity within six months with no complications.Key Wordstibial tuberosity; avulsion fracture; tibial plateau; adolescent

Avulsion Fracture of the Tibial Tuberosity Combined with Lateral Tibial Plateau in an Adolescent

“…We believe that the weight of the patient was a very important factor since he was weighing 105 kilograms (BMI: around 40 kg/m 2 ). Javed et al [7] reported a Watson-Jones type III avulsion fracture of the tibial tuberosity apophysis and an Aitken type II fracture of the lateral tibial plateau which is similar to our case. Their definitive fixation was achieved with five 4.5 mm partially threaded cancellous screws which revealed a satisfactory outcome.…”

“…Our case was surgically treated differently since reduction was achieved with three 3.5 mm partially threaded cancellous screws for the tibial tuberosity fracture and a proximal tibial plate was used to buttress the lateral tibial column. The full range of motion was gained 12 weeks postoperative management without symptoms as reported previously [7]. Our surgical management is similar to what Chakraverty et al [8] reported in a case series of skeletally mature patients with tibial tubercle fractures in association with tibial plateau fractures.…”

Sudden Anterior Tibial Tubercle Avulsion Fracture

“…The weight over 80 kgs and a Body mass index of 39 KG/M 2 and the story of previous episodes of Osgood Slater contribute actively for the fracture avulsion. Similar was reported by case series report and Javed [6], and their treatment with 4.5 mm partial threaded cancellous screws for the tibia tuberosity Apophysis and lateral plateau fracture. The arthrotomy was avoided in order to protect the articular space, prevent infection and scars that can limit the range of motion [7].…”