Satisfactory outcome following arthroscopic fixation of tibial intercondylar eminence fractures in children and adolescents using bioabsorbable nails

Introduction Tibial intercondylar eminence fracture is a rare fracture and is commonly treated with suture, screw or bio-absorbable nail. Current literature includes little information regarding outcome of surgically treatment with bio-absorbable nails. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical and functional outcomes in patients with tibial intercondylar eminence fractures arthroscopically treated with bio-absorbable nails. Methods The study design was retrospective follow-up. Sixteen patients, age 11–16 years, were surgically treated with bio-absorbable nail following an intercondylar eminence fracture. Thirteen patients participate in the present follow-up study. The median follow-up time was 6.5 years. The main outcome measurement was the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Secondary outcome measurements consisted of: Eq5d-5L questionnaire, knee pain, knee laxity, range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, gait analyses, radiological outcomes, activity and level. Results The median KOOS scores for the five subscales were: pain 98.5 (19–100), symptoms 90.5 (54–100), ADL 100 (22–100), sport 87.5, (0–100) and QOL 88.0 (13–100), indication satisfactory outcome. Low level of gait asymmetry was observed. Almost balanced muscle strength between the injured and non-injured leg for knee extension and knee flexion strength was observed. Measurement of anterior knee laxity showed 12 patients with a knee laxity between − 1 and 2 mm. The examination of intercondylar eminence displacement at the time of follow-up showed that 12 patients had a displacement of 2 mm or less. Conclusion This case series demonstrates satisfactory patient-reported and functional outcomes in the treatment of intercondylar eminence fractures in children and adolescents with bio-absorbable nails.