A surgical technique of tibial tuberosity fracture fixation with one suture tape in a figure-of-eight configuration, as a tension band and a single cannulated partial-threaded screw

Abstract

Tibial tuberosity fractures are relatively uncommon injuries that typically present in adolescents with open physis and are caused by strong contraction of the quadriceps muscle. Isolated tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures are a rare type of fracture among adults, which can occur due to a direct blow to the tibial tuberosity. Existing literature on this fracture type is rich, with many techniques describing the effective fragment fixation of the tibial tuberosity including k-wires, cannulated screws, plates, tension band wire, knotless suture anchors, or a combination of these. The purpose of this technical note is to describe a technique for the treatment of small avulsion tibial tuberosity fractures using a suture tape in a figure-of-eight configuration as a tension band accompanying one cannulated partial-threaded screw. This technique provides a simple and reproducible method, which offers a stable construct, allowing early patient mobilization without risk of symptomatic hardware and possible re-operation.