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Acute tibial tubercle avulsion fractures in the sporting adolescent

  • Trauma Surgery
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Abstract

Introduction

The authors report 7 cases of acute tibial tubercle avulsion fractures. The fracture occurred in 6 out of the 7, after an abrupt tension of the patellar tendon in male sporting adolescents (age 13–17 years). Two patients presented symptoms of homolateral Osgood-Schlatter’s disease before the lesion.

Method

According to Ogden’s classification, the tibial tubercle avulsion fracture was not displaced in 3 cases (stage IA) and was treated conservatively by immobilization for 6 weeks. In 4 cases, the fracture was displaced and necessitated an internal fixation with plaster for about 6 weeks. A torn patellar tendon was noted in one adolescent having a stage IIIB avulsion fracture.

Result

The mean follow-up was of 4.5 years (1.5–7.5 years). The results were satisfactory: complete functional recovery, resumption of sport at the previous level and absence of recurvatum.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatic Surgery, Aziza Othmana Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia

    Makram Zrig, Hedi Annabi, Taoufik Ammari, Mohsen Trabelsi, Mondher Mbarek & Habib Ben Hassine

  2. 10 street of the patience, Ariana, 2080, Tunisia

    Makram Zrig

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  1. Makram Zrig
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  2. Hedi Annabi
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  3. Taoufik Ammari
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  6. Habib Ben Hassine
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Correspondence to Makram Zrig.

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Zrig, M., Annabi, H., Ammari, T. et al. Acute tibial tubercle avulsion fractures in the sporting adolescent. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 128, 1437–1442 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-008-0628-4

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