Anterior Tibial Tubercle Avulsion Fracture in Pediatric Patients. Case Report

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Keywords: Pediatric patient, knee, tibial tubercle avulsion, osteosynthesis, patellar tendon, tendón

Abstract

Epiphysiolysis of the anterior tibial tubercle in adolescents accounts for 1% of physeal injuries and 3% of proximal tibial fractures, and it may involve the physis, necessitating diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications. Objective: To present a case, compare it existing literature, analyze differences, and propose resolutions based on our experience. A 13-year-old male consulted after suffering direct trauma to his right knee while running in sports practice one month earlier. Radiography revealed epiphysiolysis due to avulsion of the anterior tibial tubercle (Odgen IIIA and Jones III), prompting open reduction and internal fixation with twopartially-threaded cannulated screws and washers. After six weeks of cast immobilization, he began rehabilitation. Given his swift recovery, AP and lateral radiographs were obtained for diagnosis and a CT scan for surgery planning, leading to a second surgery involving open reduction and internal fixation with two cannulated screws surrounding the physis, although the patellar tendon was explored first to mitigate the risk of invagination within the fracture line. Conclusion: Despite the scarcity of reported cases, a rising trend due to increased youth sports participation underscores the importance of considering this injury in young patients presenting with knee trauma and restricted extension.

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Author Biographies

Fabián Pablo Caruso , Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos “Eva Perón”, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos “Eva Perón”, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Diego González , Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos “Eva Perón”, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos “Eva Perón”, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Danny Muñoz , Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos “Eva Perón”, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos “Eva Perón”, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Facundo Moyano, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos “Eva Perón”, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos “Eva Perón”, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Santiago Falco , Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos “Eva Perón”, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos “Eva Perón”, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Published
2023-11-14
How to Cite
Caruso , F. P., González , D., Muñoz , D., Moyano, F., & Falco , S. (2023). Anterior Tibial Tubercle Avulsion Fracture in Pediatric Patients. Case Report. Revista De La Asociación Argentina De Ortopedia Y Traumatología, 89(3), 290-298. https://doi.org/10.15417/issn.1852-7434.2024.89.3.1729
Section
Case Presentations