LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF ANTERIOR TIBIAL EMINENCE FRACTURES

Most children who have sustained a tibial eminence fracture have objective evidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) laxity at long-term follow-up, but few have subjective complaints. Clinical signs of anterior instability were noted in 64% of patients (32 of 50) examined at an average follow-up of 4 years. Objective evidence of laxity determined with a KT-1000 arthrometer was noted in 74% of patients (37 of 50). Five patients (10%) complained of pain, but no patient complained of instability at follow-up. Assessment of long-term stability showed that the method of management (open vs. closed methods) had no bearing on eventual outcome.