Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture and Ipsilateral Segond Fractures Have High Rates of Concurrent Knee Pathology

Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2023 Feb 11;5(2):e375-e379. doi: 10.1016/j.asmr.2023.01.003. eCollection 2023 Apr.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the rates of concomitant knee pathology in patients with ACL injuries and Segond fractures.

Methods: A retrospective study is undertaken with patients identified via query of CPT codes for ACL reconstruction from 2014 to 2020. All patients with preoperative radiographs were reviewed for the presence of Segond fractures. Operative reports were analyzed for the presence of concurrent pathology, including meniscus, cartilage, and other ligamentous injuries at the time of arthroscopic ACL reconstruction.

Results: A total of 1,058 patients were included in the study. Segond fractures were identified in 50 (4.7%) patients. Ipsilateral concomitant knee pathology was identified in 84% of Segond patients. Thirty-eight (76%) patients had meniscal pathology with a total 49 meniscal injuries, of which 43 were treated operatively. Multiligamentous injuries were present in 16 patients (32%), with 8 patients undergoing further ligament repair/reconstruction at the time of surgery. Chondral injuries were identified in 13 patients (26%).

Conclusions: A high prevalence of concomitant meniscal, chondral, and ligamentous injuries was found in patients with Segond fractures. These additional injuries may require further operative management and may place patients at increased risk for future instability or degenerative changes. Patients with Segond fractures should be counseled preoperatively on the nature of their injuries and risk of associated pathologies.

Level of evidence: Level IV, prognostic case series.