Combined arthroscopic techniques in the treatment of non-union of the anterior tibial spine


Published online: Jun 27 2011

Stefan Clockaerts, Lieven Dossche

From the University Hospital of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

Abstract

We report a non-united tibial spine fracture with instability of the anterior cruciate ligament in a twenty-year-old soccer player. The patient underwent arthroscopy with debridement of scar tissue around the fracture site, reduction and fixation of the bony insertion of the ACL using screw and washer, and femoral notchplasty. More than one year after the initial surgery, the patient fully recovered knee stability and function. We have demonstrated that the additional problems caused by a non-union of a tibial spine fracture can be dealt with in one arthroscopic session.