Avulsion fracture of the tibial spine

This subgroup describes the avulsion of the tibial spine, either anterior or posterior, classified by the AO/OTA as a 41A1.3 fracture.

This fracture is most often seen in the younger patient. It is an indication of potential ligamentous instability or fracture dislocation of the knee.

Similar to fibula head avulsion injuries, fractures of the tibial spine may be a component of uni- and bi-condylar tibial plateau fractures. In these latter situations, the injury mechanism may be a compression injury, rather than an avulsion.

Avulsions of the capsular attachments are classified as AO/OTA 41A1.1 fractures. These avulsions are indications of more serious ligamentous injuries around the knee.