Tension band suture in isolated tibial tubercle avulsion: A case report and review literatures

INTRODUCTION: Isolated tibial tubercle avulsion in adults are extremely rare, with only a few cases having been reported. The common treatment is screw fixation, followed by immobilization. We report a rare case of an isolated tibial tubercle avulsion in an adult and demonstrate the results of a tension band suture without post-operative immobilization for treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64 year-old woman presented with an isolated tibial tubercle avulsion, and loss of her extensor mechanism. Treatment with tension band suture could provide early motion, and her return to full ambulation in 2 months. CONCLUSION: An isolated tibial tubercle avulsion, there are many surgical techniques to secure the fixation. The tension band suture is one technique that the patient can acheive a good fixation without post-operative immobilization and rapidly return to normal activity.