Avulsion Fracture of the Anterior Intercondylar Eminence in an Eight-year-old Child: ACase Report

INTRODUCTION: Avulsion fractures of the tibial intercondylar eminence are rare and occur mostly in children. The purpose of this paper is to present a case of this rare pathology and to underline the importance of early diagnosis. CASE REPORT: A male 8-year-old child presented with pain in his left knee and difficulties to walk after a combined injury of falling and contact trauma. Radiographic studies with conventional X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scan depicted a fracture of the intercondylar eminence. In this Type II fracture according to the classification of Meyers and McKeever, an operative treatment with knee arthroscopy was established to remove the loose bone. Post-operative, the knee was immobilized in extension for 4 weeks. Physiotherapy was initiated immediately after surgery. The follow-up CT scan 6weeks after injury showed a starting consolidation and the magnetic resonance imaging scan 8 weeks after injury a complete consolidation of the fracture. CONCLUSION: Hyperflexion and rotation trauma result rather in bony avulsions than in ligamentous lesions in pediatric patients. Early diagnostic examination with conventional X-ray and CTscans is performed to not miss concomitant injuries. Depending on the type of eminentiaintercondylaris fracture, an operative or conservative treatment is indicated.