title: Bilateral Avulsion Fractures of the Tibial Tuberosity: A Double Case for Open Reduction and Fixation.
abstract: Tibial tuberosity fractures are rare and occur mainly in adolescent males during vigorous quadriceps contraction. So far, only ten simultaneous bilateral fractures have been reported. We report the case of a 16-year-old male who avulsed both tibial tuberosities when he landed on his feet after a gymnastics routine. Diagnostic imaging demonstrated Ogden Type IIIA fractures. He underwent bilateral open reduction and screw fixation with a good functional result after 3 months. While closed reduction and percutaneous fixation has been proposed by some, the intraoperative findings in our patient would have prevented correct adaptation of the fragments because of a flap of periosteum impinged in both fracture gaps. This case emphasizes that minimally invasive techniques may sometimes be inappropriate in the management of these types of fractures.
authors.forename: Anja
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Neugebauer
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Leipzig, Oststraße 21-25, 04316, Leipzig, Germany. oliver.muensterer@medizin.uni-leipzig.de.
authors.forename: Oliver J
authors.initials: OJ
authors.lastname: Muensterer
authors.forename: Ulf
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Buehligen
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
authors.forename: Holger
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Till
keywords: Cancellous screw; Open reduction; Periosteal flap; Tibial tuberosity fracture