Surgical treatment of posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fractures using a locking compression hook plate: A case series

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the results of surgical treatment of tibial avulsion injuries of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) with a 3.5-mm locking compression hook plate (LCHP).

Methods: From June 2012 to June 2015, 16 consecutive patients (10 males and 6 females, mean age: 38 (range: 19-57) years) presented with isolated tibial avulsion injuries of the PCL. We used a 3.5-mm LCHP and lag screws for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) through the posterior medial approach. The operation time, quantity of bleeding, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, stability of posterior drawer test (PDT) results, and fracture healing time were studied to assess clinical efficacy. At the 12-month follow-up, a functional evaluation using knee range of motion (ROM) and the Lysholm knee scoring system (LKSS) was performed.

Results: The data from a mean follow-up of 24.1 (range: 14-33) months from 16 patients were recorded. No neurovascular complications, incision infections, or delayed union or nonunion were observed. The mean operation time was 61.4 (range: 45-80) min. The mean quantity of bleeding was 41.6 (range: 25-66) mL. The mean bone healing time was 11.8 (range: 45-80) weeks. The mean VAS score was 1.63 (range: 0-3) after surgery. The average LKSS and ROM of the knee were 51.75±7.67 and 50.94°±10.19° before surgery and 92.75±5.46 and 127.75°±6.13° at 1 year, respectively. The outcomes were judged to be excellent for 11 patients, good for 4, and fair for 1 (excellent and good rates: 93.8% for 15/16). At the final follow-up (≥1 year), the PDT scores returned to normal.

Conclusion: The results showed that 3.5-mm LCHP provided reliable fixation following ORIF of isolated PCL tibial avulsion fractures and was a safe, simple, and effective procedure. This procedure may reduce complications and improve functional recovery relative to those of other procedures.

Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-1900022920. Registered on 3 May 2019.

Level of Evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic study

Cite this article as: Deng W, Li Y, Wu S, Liu X, Huang F, Zhang H. Surgical treatment of posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fractures using a locking compression hook plate: A case series. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc 2020; 54(6): 623-6.