OBJECTIVETo study the curative effects of the treatment of tibial avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament with open reduction and steel-wire internal fixation.

METHODSFrom January 2003 to June 2009, 28 patients of tibial avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament were treated with open reduction and steel-wire internal fixation through posteromedial inverted "L" approach. There were 19 males and 9 females with an average age of 35.3 years old ranging from 16 to 55 years. The X-ray examination showed that there were II degree displaced in 10 cases and III degree in 18 patients. The affected lower extremity was put in a controlled hinge knee brace after operation. The patients were asked to do passive extension and flexion of the knee joint with the assistance of a CPM 2 weeks after operation,and allowed to be partial weight-bearing as tolerated with the hinged brace locked in extension if concomitant injuries allowed 4 weeks postoperatively. The brace were removed 6 weeks later.

RESULTSAmong them, 25 patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months with an average of 15 months. The X-ray examination showed satisfactory reduction, and bony union was obtained in all the patients. The Lachman test was negative in all patients. No complications such as malunion or joint stiffness were found. The extension of affected knee was normal and its flexion were (136 +/- 12) degrees. According to Lysholm knee score system,it was preoperatively (41.80 +/- 6.16) and (94.10 +/- 8.26) six months after surgery respectively. Twenty-two cases were excellent, 2 cases good and 1 fair.

CONCLUSIONTreatment of tibial avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament with open reduction and internal fixation with wires through posteromedial inverted "L" approach is a safe, effective method, due to its stable fixation and relatively low expense. It is believed as an ideal choice for tibial avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament.