Simultaneous Occurrence of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Avulsion and Adjacent Anterior Meniscal Root Tear Not Uncommon in Patients With Tibial Posterior Condyle Fracture, Particularly Those With a Long Vertical Split.

Abstract

Background: Tibial posterior condyle fractures (PCFs) are caused by shearing injuries. This mechanism results in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) avulsions, which may involve adjacent anterior meniscal roots. The simultaneous occurrence of ACL avulsion and anterior meniscal root tears (AMRTs) in patients with PCF remains unclear. Therefore, we reported the pattern of simultaneous ACL avulsion and AMRT in patients with PCF. Additionally, we investigated which morphological characteristics of PCFs can predict the occurrence of these combined injuries.

Materials and methods: This study included 77 patients with PCF and ACL avulsion. AMRT was diagnosed through arthroscope. PCF morphologies-fragment rotation angle, fragment-plateau ratio, fragment length, and fragment sagittal angle-were measured through computed tomography.

Results: Of the 77 patients, 24 (31%) had AMRT. Patients with AMRT had a longer fragment length than did those without AMRT (5.6±1.0 cm vs 4.2±0.7 cm, respectively; P<.001). A receiver operating characteristic curve revealed a threshold fragment length of 4.4 cm for predicting simultaneous ACL avulsion and AMRT. Multivariate logistic regression indicated a fragment length of ≥4.4 cm was associated 12-fold increased risk of simultaneous ACL avulsion and AMRT (95% CI: 3.29-45.67; P<.001).

Conclusions: AMRT occurs in 31% of all patients with PCF plus ACL avulsion and is an obstacle to ACL reduction. A PCF fragment length of ≥4.4 cm is a significant independent predictor of simultaneous ACL avulsion and AMRT. Our findings may facilitate relevant risk assessment and counseling in patients requiring an intra-articular intervention. [Orthopedics. 2025;48(4):215-222.].