An original arthroscopic fixation of adult's tibial eminence fractures using the Tightrope® device: A report of 8 cases and review of literature

Purpose: The objective of this study is to asset the efficiency of the use of the Tightrope device to treat isolated tibial spine fractures in adults. Methods: All patients treated for isolated tibial spine fracture between November 2007 and February 2011 have been retrospectively included. The main judgment criteria was the post-operative knee laxity measured by Rolimeter (R) (Aircast) and the secondary criteria were the IKDC scores, the knee mobility, the Lachman test and the bone union. 8 patients have been included. The mean age was 34.2 years (+/- 12.5). The classification of Meyers and McKeever identified 5 types II, 2 types Ilia and 1 type IIIb. The mean follow-up period was 10 months. Results: The mean post-operative anterior knee laxity was 6 +/- 2.14 mm for the operated side and 5.6 +/- 1.85 mm for the opposite side. No significant difference was found (P = 0.73). According to the IKDC classification 3 patients were normal (A), 2 were nearly normal (B), 1 was abnormal (C) and 1 was very abnormal (D). The mean IKDC subjective score was 70.71 +/- 17.56. All 8 fractures achieved union without elevation. 3 patients developed motion complications and 2 required an arthroscopic arthrolysis. No other significant complication was noted. The outcome was compared to the different series published during the last 10 years. Conclusion: The use of the Tightrope (R) device is a simple technique occurring a rigid fixation, allowing early rehabilitation with a high rate of arthrofibrosis. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.