Avulsion fractures of the tibial tubercle in adolescents. A report of bilateral fractures and a review of the literature

Abstract

Avulsion fractures of the tibial tubercle prior to epiphyseal closure are being treated with greater frequency. Watson-Jones Types I and III fractures are the most common; both require open reduction and internal fixation. Type II fractures respond to closed reduction and plaster immobilization. The authors have found only 76 fractures reported in the literature since 1935. Four cases were bilateral. Fifty-nine patients were boys, and two were girls; the sex was not reported for 11 patients. Type III fractures occurred most often in older adolescents. Types I and II fractures occurred in younger patients. No reports of growth disturbance of the proximal tibial epiphysis occurring after a Type III fracture were found.