Subchondral insufficiency fracture of the medial tibial plateau

Subchondral insufficiency fracture of the medial tibial plateau

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Subchondral insufficiency fracture of the medial tibial plateau

Subchondral insufficiency fracture of the medial tibial plateau

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Abstract

Subchondral insufficiency fractures of the knee are commonly misdiagnosed fractures that are both very painful and difficult to treat. A conservative treatment modality to control symptoms during rehabilitation has not previously been described. This case report presents the alternate use of cooled radiofrequency ablation technique of the genicular nerves for pain relief and bisphosphonate infusion to address the underlying poor bone mineralization/density with imaging follow-up before and after instituted treatments. A middle-aged female patient presenting with atraumatic pain in the medial aspect of the left knee diagnosed on an original magnetic resonance imaging as an insufficiency fracture and debilitating pain. Multiple-surgeon opinions of total knee arthroplasty were not a consideration the patient wanted or could consider given her lifestyle. Cooled radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerve branches was performed with significant-complete pain relief achieved that lasted at least 6 months. Bisphosphonate infusions were instituted to address the underlying osteoporosis detected by a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. Clinical performance after the radiofrequency ablations was followed with clinically validated surveys (The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)/Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)) at 2 weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months. Patient was also asked to follow a restricted-modified weight-bearing plan for 3 months followed by physical therapy. Eight weeks apart of bisphosphonate infusions were delivered after proper administration of vitamin D. There was resolution of the insufficiency fracture at the medial femoral condyle between the magnetic resonance imaging exams within 4.5 months apart treated with restricted weight-bearing regimen. Pain resolution, significant improved function, and range of motion were the end results of our instituted treatment plan. This case reports presents an alternate pathway for the treatment of this condition especially when there is lack of consensus among physicians in how to best address this condition.

Keywords

Knee

SIFK

MRI

Bisphosphonate

Ablations

Cited by (0)

© 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of University of Washington.

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How do you treat a subchondral fracture?

Subchondroplasty is a technique indicated for treatment of early subchondral fractures or stress related marrow edema associated with osteoarthritis and involves the injection of synthetic calcium phosphate into the trabecular space, providing mechanical support.

What is subchondral insufficiency fracture?

Subchondral insufficiency fractures (SIF) are a type of stress fracture which occurs below the cartilage on the weight bearing surface of a bone. SIF occur when normal physiological forces are repeatedly applied to an area of bone compromised by non-tumorous disease, resulting in fracture.

What is treatment of insufficiency fracture?

These fragility pelvic fractures can be painful and are treated with rest, minimizing weight bearing with a walker or crutches, rehabilitation by physiotherapist, and treating the patient with supplemental calcium and vitamin D. These fractures can take 3 to 4 months to heal.

What is an insufficiency fracture of tibia?

A subchondral insufficiency fracture is a type of stress fracture that occurs when bone underlying the cartilage in a joint is unable to bear stresses normally subjected to the joint.