[Application of cannulated compression screws for the treatment of tibial tubercle avulsion fractures of Ogden type III in adolescents].

OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical outcome of the application of cannulated compression screws for the treatment of tibial tubercle avulsion fractures of Ogden type III in adolescents.

METHODS: From January 2003 to October 2010,11 adolescent patients with tibial tubercle avulsion fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. There were 9 boys and 2 girls with an average age of 15.2 years old (ranged, 12.4 to 17 years old). According to Ogden classification, there were 9 patients with type IIIa and 2 patients with type IIIb. Postoperative functional exercise and regular follow-up were done and outcomes were evaluated by the Mosier clinical assessment system.

RESULTS: All the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 7 to 69 months, with a mean of 25.5 months. All fractures healed at the first stage. According to the Mosier clinical assessment system, the final outcome was evaluated as excellent in all. One patient had infrapatellar hypoesthesia, and one patient had prominency of tibial tubercle without any symptoms.

CONCLUSION: The cannualted compression screws in the treatment of tibial tubercle avulsion fractures of Ogden type III in adolescents have an excellent outcome without deformity or functional loss.