Summary

The clinical outcome of mini-plate in the treatment of chronic avulsion fracture of anterior cruciate ligament through arthroscopy can be expected. This kind of treatment is effective, simple and cost-effective, being worthy of wide application.

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical outcome of mini-plate in the treatment of chronic avulsion fracture of anterior cruciate ligament.

Methods

A total of 11 cases of chronic avulsion fracture of anterior cruciate ligament with fragment displacement were fixed by unabsorbable Ethibond suture and mini-plates fixation through arthroscopy.

Results

All the patients acquired bony fusion without fragments displacement at the follow-up for 5-26 months (mean, 11.0±2.3 months). At 3 months after operation, a normal range of motion was achieved in all the patients as compared to that of the unaffected knee (P>0.05). The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subject scores were improved from 67.6±5.3 to 95.1±3.3 (t=17.212, P=0.000) at the last follow-up.

Conclusion

Chronic avulsion fracture of anterior cruciate ligament can be treated by mini-plate fixation with non-absorbable Ethibond suture through arthroscopy. The advantages include excellent reduction, rigid fixation, less injury and early rehabilitation with good functional recovery. This kind of treatment is effective, simple and cost-effective, being worthy of wide application.