TITLE:
Imaging Review of Adolescent Tibial Tuberosity Fractures
AUTHORS:
Pranav Chitkara, Raja Anne, Sherlin Lavianlivi, Scott Lehto, Srinivas Kolla
KEYWORDS:
Tibial Tuberosity; Avulsion; Fracture; Radiology; Orthopedic; MDCT
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Medical Imaging,
Vol.3 No.3,
September
23,
2013
ABSTRACT: Adolescent tibial tuberosity injuries are infrequent fractures
usually seen in physically active adolescent males. Powerful
contraction of the knee extensors by sudden acceleration or deceleration of the
quadriceps muscle can result in avulsion fractures of the tibial tuberosity
apophysis. In late puberty, as the growth plate closes, it is transiently replaced
by fibrocartilaginous elements. This transition causes a period of weakened tensile
strength, which predisposes the tibial tuberosity to traction injury. Classification
of tibial tuberosity fractures includes types I-V with added A and B subsets to
types I, II and III. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is a useful tool
to more accurately classify complex, higher grade adolescent tibial tuberosity
avulsion fractures when compared to plain film. This aids in preoperative planning and, therefore, results in improved treatment and management.