Purpose: We evaluated the result of the degree of reduction and anterior instability after arthroscopic treatment of tibial spine fractures.
Materials and Methods: Thirty-two cases of tibial spine fractures treated with arthroscopic procedure could be evaluated and the mean follow-up period was $18\;(12{\sim}48)$ months. Evaluations included Lachman test, rotatory instability examination and side to side difference (SSD) using KT-2000 arthrometer. The degree of radiologic reduction was classified as accurate reduction, anterior elevation and reduction failure, according to which the degree of anterior instability was measured.
Results: There were twenty three cases (71%) of accurate duction, eight cases (25%) of anterior elevation and one case (4%) of education failure. Eight (29%) of twenty eight cases with pull-out method showed anterior elevation. The SSDs of the accurate reduction and the anterior elevation group were 2.0 mm and 2.8 mm, respectively showing no significant difference. However, the percent age of grade 0 Lachman test and SSD less than 3 mm of the accurate reduction group were significantly higher.
Conclusion: Accurate reduction is important in reducing anterior instability especially in unstable fractures. Therefore, arthroscopic pull-out method should be performed with great caution to avoid anterior elevation of the fracture fragment.