Tibial tubercle avulsion fractures
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Abstract
Tibial tubercle avulsion fractures are uncommon injuries seen in the paediatric age group which are due to an indirect force caused by the sudden contraction of the quadriceps muscles against the patellar tendon insertion on the tibia tubercle. The injury is most commonly associated with jumping and landing sports, such as basketball, long jump, high jump and football. The average age at presentation is 14.6 years and boys are predominantly affected. The child typically presents with pain in the anterior knee, joint effusion,
haemarthrosis and inability to bear weight. Standard radiographs of the joint will reveal the avulsed tibia tubercle and also aid in classification of the injury. The major task in the treatment of this fracture is in maintaining a satisfactory reduction against the proximal pull of the quadriceps muscles. Satisfactory results are usually achieved, however, by operative reduction and fixation with cancellous screws, though some authors have reported good results with conservative treatment. We present a 15-year-old male adolescent
who presented with tibia tubercle avulsion fracture of the right knee and was managed by open reduction and internal fixation using two cancellous screws.
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