A new method for arthroscopic treatment of tibial eminence fractures with eyed Steinmann pins

Abstract

This report describes a new and simple method to treat tibial eminence fractures. We treated these fractures arthroscopically by using eyed Steinmann pins and pullout sutures of 1-0 polydioxane or 1-0 polypropylene monofilament under local anesthesia. From March 1993 to February 1997, we treated 16 patients with tibial eminence fractures. There were 12 cases of type II and 4 cases of type III fractures, according to the classification of Meyers and McKeever. All of the patients had good results according to the International Knee Documentation Committee and Muller's knee scoring systems, and had good stability by anterior stress radiographs compared with the uninjured side. Advantages of this method are minimal arthrotomy, simple technique, short operation and hospitalization times, early rehabilitation, no need for metal fixation removal, and, this procedure can be done under local anesthesia.