Most children who have sustained a tibial eminence fracture have objec
tive evidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) laxity at long-term
follow-up, but few have subjective complaints. Clinical signs of anter
ior instability were noted in 64% of patients (32 of 50) examined at a
n average follow-up of 4 years. Objective evidence of laxity determine
d with a KT-1000 arthrometer was noted in 74% of patients (37 of 50).
Five patients (10%) complained of pain, but no patient complained of i
nstability at follow-up. Assessment of long-term stability showed that
the method of management (open vs. closed methods) had no bearing on
eventual outcome.