Avulsion fracture of the ACL

Abstract

Avulsion fracture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is seen in pediatric patients and infrequently in adult patients. It primarily occurs during sports activities and trauma. Inadequate treatment can cause pain, range of motion limitation, and instability with subsequent deterioration of the knee joint. Therefore, it is important to provide appropriate treatment to prevent such significant complications. Treatments are generally chosen according to the extent of fragment displacement and criteria of the fracture classification systems used for determining treatment strategy. Surgical methods have varied among surgeons. Currently, no gold standard surgical method exists; however, most of the reported results are satisfactory. Surgeons need to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each surgical method. The prognosis for patients with avulsion fracture of the ACL appears to be good if appropriate treatments are applied. In this chapter, injury etiology, mechanism, diagnosis, classification, treatments, and surgical methods, including the author’s technique, will be described and discussed.