Cruciate ligament avulsion fractures.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to assess the variability of cruciate avulsion fractures.


METHODS
Retrospective observational study.


METHODS
Standardized radiographs and computed tomography (CT) examinations were performed in 40 patients (31 male, 9 female; age range, 10 to 77 years) with cruciate avulsion fractures.


RESULTS
The average age of patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) avulsion fractures was 21.5 years and that of patients with posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fractures was 42.9 years. Two basic patterns of avulsion fracture emerged. ACL fractures were either partial (62%) (with avulsion of anteromedial bundle) or extended (38%) and were comminuted in 25%. PCL fractures were either complete (47%) or extended (53%) and were comminuted in 50%. CT helped delineate fracture margins, comminution and extent.


CONCLUSIONS
Although there is considerable variability in fracture type, 2 basic patterns of ACL and PCL avulsion fractures exist. CT helps delineate these features as a prelude to surgical fixation.


METHODS
Level III.
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, N.T. Hong Kong. griffith@ruby.med.cuhk.edu.hk
James F
JF
Griffith
Gregory E
GE
Antonio
Christopher W C
CW
Tong
Chan Kai
CK
Ming
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016119:Posterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods