A case series of posterior tibial spine avulsion fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation through Burks and Schaffer approach

Abstract

There are controversies about the management of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) injuries among the Orthopaedic surgeons. We present our result of 10 cases who underwent surgical management for the avulsion fracture of the tibial insertion of the PCL. Open reduction and internal fixation of the avulsion fracture of the tibial insertion of the PCL were done by posteromedial approach (Burks and schaffer) .This approach is easy exposure and technically safer than standard posterior approach . Some orthopaedic surgeons are apprehensive about treating tibial avulsions of the PCL because of their lack of familiarity with the standard posterior approach to the knee and the potential for damage to the important neurovascular structures. Non-surgical   treatment has a significant incidence of morbidity in form of residual instability and early degenerative arthritis. The study group consisted of 10 males ,the mean age was 34 years. The result showed that there were no instability in any of the patients and each patient obtained pain free, full range of movement for the affected knee. Therefore it is recommended to take up surgical management for avulsed PCL utilizing the Burks and schaffer approach .