Arthroscopic fixation of intercondylar eminence fractures using a 4-portaltechnique

Purpose: We report an easy-to-use 4-portal technique for arthroscopic treat ment of intercondylar eminence fractures and compare results of 2 groups of cases, adolescents and adults, and 2 types of internal fixation, sutures a nd screws. Type of Study: Surgical technique and retrospective study. Metho ds: The study was carried on 2 groups of patients, adolescents and adults, with intercondylar eminence fractures who were treated arthroscopically. Fo r internal fixation, sutures were used in 8 adolescents and screws were use d in 13 adults. In the technique we describe, anteromedial superior and inf erior, and anterolateral superior and inferior portals were used. Results: The average follow-up period for the adolescents was 27.3 months (range. 11 to 57 months), and for the adults was 19.6 months (range, 7 to 71 months). We did not encounter any cases of nonunion. There were only 3 complication s, 1 of arthrofibrosis resulting from a delay of rehabilitation due to a va scular compromise and 2 cases of tenderness over the screw that responded w ell to its removal. Union occurred earlier in adolescents. but rehabilitati on was easier in adults. Conclusions: Beside satisfactory results obtained by arthroscopic treatment of intercondylar eminence fractures, arthroscopy also provides the possibility to determine and treat associated pathologies . With the experience we gained, the procedure with the 4-portal technique in treating these fractures became much easier as a routine approach.