Arthroscopically assisted reduction and internal fixation of a femoral anterior cruciate ligament osteochondral avulsion fracture in an 11-year-old girl: A case report

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is relatively rarely injured in children and adolescents, accounting for just 0.5% of all ACL rips that occur. Avulsion fractures are more common in youngsters because their ligamentous structures are known to be stronger than their physical insertion sites. Tibial eminences have been reported to be the sites of most ACL avulsions, and both cartilaginous and osteochondral avulsion fractures have been observed, whereas the latter occurs more commonly. On the other hand, femoral osteochondral avulsion fractures of the ACL in children are uncommon, as only a few studies describe their occurrence in immature patients. PATIENT CONCERNS: In this case report, we present an 11-year-old girl who suffered an ACL femoral attachment avulsion fracture after pivoting her knee during riding. A comprehensive formal evaluation of the knee was impractical due to the persistence of pain and tight haemarthrosis. DIAGNOSES: Femoral anterior cruciate ligament osteochondral avulsion fracture. INTERVENTIONS: We used Two No.2Ethibond sutures to pick up the osteochondral fragment and passed across the lateral femoral condyle to come out laterally and fixed with a tie proximally, and we recommended the patient perform reasonable functional exercises postoperatively. OUTCOMES: The patient had no pain, instability, or activity limitations after 24 months of surgery. Physical examination of the patient revealed full and symmetric ROM, and normal Lachman and pivot shift test performance. LESSONS: ACL avulsion fractures can be accurately treated with arthroscopic reduction and sutures via an inside-out technique, which can reduce the risk of persistent ligamentous laxity and reduce open surgery-related morbidity.