Intra-articular distal femur fracture extending from an expanded femoral tunnel in an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructed knee: a case report

J Trauma. 2009 Dec;67(6):E209-12. doi: 10.1097/TA.0b013e3181469f42.

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a popular surgery with overall good results. However, postoperative fracture is a serious, albeit, rare complication. Femoral tunnel lysis may cause a stress riser effect leading to distal femur fractures after ACL reconstruction. We report a case in which a patient who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery 18 months before a low-energy twisting mechanism suffered a distal femur fracture requiring open reduction internal fixation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Adult
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament / surgery*
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
  • Arthroscopy
  • Bone Nails
  • Bone Screws
  • Female
  • Femoral Fractures / etiology*
  • Femoral Fractures / surgery
  • Humans
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery