Arthroscopic Reduction and Internal Fixation of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Avulsion Fracture Using an Adjustable-Length Loop Device

• Main Authors: Ryuichiro Akagi, M.D., Ph.D., Yuta Muramatsu, M.D., Ph.D., Shunsuke Mukoyama, M.D., Ph.D., Hiroshi Sugiyama, M.D., Satoshi Yamaguchi, M.D., Ph.D., Seiji Ohtori, M.D., Ph.D., Takahisa Sasho, M.D., Ph.D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2020-12-01
• Series: Arthroscopy Techniques
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212628720302292

A displaced avulsion fracture at the tibial attachment of the posterior cruciate ligament is considered an indication for surgical reduction and internal fixation because nonunion and remaining posterior instability of the knee are common consequences of conservative treatment. The problems with standard open surgical techniques are that they are relatively invasive despite the limited operative field and it is impossible to explore intra-articular lesions by the posterior approach. An arthroscopic procedure has the advantage of being minimally invasive and allowing the surgeon to detect and treat associated intra-articular injuries. We present an arthroscopic reduction–internal fixation technique using an adjustable-length loop device. A trans-septal portal is created to visualize the fracture fragment directly, and the fragment is reduced and penetrated with a cannulated drill under fluoroscopic guidance. An adjustable-length loop device is relayed from the posteromedial portal and pulled out through the fragment in an anterograde fashion, placing a button on top of the fragment. By tightening the loop, downward compression can be applied to the fragment. Overall, this technique provides good reduction and bone union, and excellent clinical outcomes, including posterior knee stability, can be achieved.