Tension band wiring of displaced tibial tuberosity fractures in adolescents

Twelve adolescent boys with avulsion fractures of the tibial tuberosity were treated with open reduction and tension band wire fixation. Fasciotomies were required in two cases for associated compartmental syndromes. All fractures healed in anatomic position. The tension band wire assisted both in neutralizing tensile (distracting) forces and compressing comminuted fragments. Early functional motion was started within four weeks. Osgood-Schlatter disease was diagnosed in five of the 12 patients. The apparent high incidence of this fracture pattern in the community prompted the recommendation to restrict jumping sports for adolescent boys with active Osgood-Schlatter disease.