Segond fracture: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Segond fracture | |||
| image = [[File:SegondFracture.JPG|250px]] | |||
| caption = X-ray showing a Segond fracture | |||
| field = [[Orthopedics]] | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| symptoms = Pain, swelling, instability of the knee | |||
| complications = [[Anterior cruciate ligament injury]], [[meniscus tear]] | |||
| onset = Acute | |||
| duration = | |||
| types = | |||
| causes = [[Trauma]] to the knee, often associated with [[sports injuries]] | |||
| risks = | |||
| diagnosis = [[X-ray]], [[MRI]] | |||
| differential = | |||
| prevention = | |||
| treatment = [[Surgery]], [[physical therapy]] | |||
| medication = [[Pain management]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
| deaths = | |||
}} | |||
'''Segond fracture''' refers to an avulsion fracture occurring on the lateral aspect of the [[tibial plateau]]. This distinctive injury involves a small bone fragment being pulled away from the main tibial structure, often due to forceful twisting or hyperextension of the knee joint. The Segond fracture is closely associated with tears of the [[anterior cruciate ligament]] ([[ACL]]) and is recognized as a reliable indicator of more significant ligamentous injuries. | '''Segond fracture''' refers to an avulsion fracture occurring on the lateral aspect of the [[tibial plateau]]. This distinctive injury involves a small bone fragment being pulled away from the main tibial structure, often due to forceful twisting or hyperextension of the knee joint. The Segond fracture is closely associated with tears of the [[anterior cruciate ligament]] ([[ACL]]) and is recognized as a reliable indicator of more significant ligamentous injuries. | ||
== Anatomy and Mechanism of Injury == | == Anatomy and Mechanism of Injury == | ||
The Segond fracture is believed to result from excessive tension applied to the [[anterolateral ligament]] ([[ALL]]), a structure connecting the lateral femoral condyle to the anterolateral tibia. Sudden force, as in sports or trauma, can cause the ALL to exert significant pull on the lateral tibial plateau, leading to the avulsion fracture. It commonly coexists with ACL tears, with up to 75-100% of Segond fractures occurring alongside ACL injuries. Additional injuries, like medial meniscal tears, may also be present. | The Segond fracture is believed to result from excessive tension applied to the [[anterolateral ligament]] ([[ALL]]), a structure connecting the lateral femoral condyle to the anterolateral tibia. Sudden force, as in sports or trauma, can cause the ALL to exert significant pull on the lateral tibial plateau, leading to the avulsion fracture. It commonly coexists with ACL tears, with up to 75-100% of Segond fractures occurring alongside ACL injuries. Additional injuries, like medial meniscal tears, may also be present. | ||
[[File:Segond-Fraktur 26jm - Roe und CT - 001.png|thumb|Segond Fracture on CT scan]] | [[File:Segond-Fraktur 26jm - Roe und CT - 001.png|thumb|Segond Fracture on CT scan]] | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Clinical diagnosis of a Segond fracture involves a thorough history and physical examination, complemented by imaging studies such as X-rays. X-rays typically reveal the characteristic avulsion fracture, though small fragments may not always be visible. In such cases, [[computed tomography]] (CT) scans or [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) can provide confirmation. MRI is particularly useful for assessing associated ligamentous injuries, including ACL tears. | Clinical diagnosis of a Segond fracture involves a thorough history and physical examination, complemented by imaging studies such as X-rays. X-rays typically reveal the characteristic avulsion fracture, though small fragments may not always be visible. In such cases, [[computed tomography]] (CT) scans or [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) can provide confirmation. MRI is particularly useful for assessing associated ligamentous injuries, including ACL tears. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment of Segond fractures depends on the injury's severity and concurrent ligamentous damage. Isolated fractures without significant instability may be managed conservatively with knee immobilization, rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), pain management, and physical therapy. In cases of associated ACL tears or significant instability, surgical intervention is often necessary. This may involve ACL reconstruction, fixation of the avulsion fracture, and repair or reconstruction of other injured ligaments. | Treatment of Segond fractures depends on the injury's severity and concurrent ligamentous damage. Isolated fractures without significant instability may be managed conservatively with knee immobilization, rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), pain management, and physical therapy. In cases of associated ACL tears or significant instability, surgical intervention is often necessary. This may involve ACL reconstruction, fixation of the avulsion fracture, and repair or reconstruction of other injured ligaments. | ||
[[File:Segond-Fraktur 38jm - Roe und CT - 001.png|thumb|Segond Fracture with CT scan]] | [[File:Segond-Fraktur 38jm - Roe und CT - 001.png|thumb|Segond Fracture with CT scan]] | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
With appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, the prognosis for Segond fractures is generally favorable. Most patients regain full knee function and can resume pre-injury activities. However, recovery may take several months, and some individuals may experience residual instability or an increased risk of future knee injuries. Adherence to rehabilitation programs is crucial to minimize risks. | With appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, the prognosis for Segond fractures is generally favorable. Most patients regain full knee function and can resume pre-injury activities. However, recovery may take several months, and some individuals may experience residual instability or an increased risk of future knee injuries. Adherence to rehabilitation programs is crucial to minimize risks. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention strategies for knee injuries, including Segond fractures, involve proper conditioning, strengthening exercises, balance training, use of appropriate protective gear, adherence to proper techniques, warm-up and cool-down routines, and gradual progression in physical activities. | Prevention strategies for knee injuries, including Segond fractures, involve proper conditioning, strengthening exercises, balance training, use of appropriate protective gear, adherence to proper techniques, warm-up and cool-down routines, and gradual progression in physical activities. | ||
== Complications == | == Complications == | ||
Complications of Segond fractures include persistent knee instability, post-traumatic arthritis, stiffness, re-tear of reconstructed ligaments, and surgical complications. Prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and diligent rehabilitation help mitigate these risks. | Complications of Segond fractures include persistent knee instability, post-traumatic arthritis, stiffness, re-tear of reconstructed ligaments, and surgical complications. Prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and diligent rehabilitation help mitigate these risks. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Avulsion fracture]] | * [[Avulsion fracture]] | ||
* [[Anterior cruciate ligament injury]] | * [[Anterior cruciate ligament injury]] | ||
* [[Knee injuries]] | * [[Knee injuries]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
* [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5127053/ The Segond Fracture: A Bony Injury of the Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee] | * [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5127053/ The Segond Fracture: A Bony Injury of the Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee] | ||
Latest revision as of 07:26, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
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| Segond fracture | |
|---|---|
| File:SegondFracture.JPG | |
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Pain, swelling, instability of the knee |
| Complications | Anterior cruciate ligament injury, meniscus tear |
| Onset | Acute |
| Duration | |
| Types | |
| Causes | Trauma to the knee, often associated with sports injuries |
| Risks | |
| Diagnosis | X-ray, MRI |
| Differential diagnosis | |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | Surgery, physical therapy |
| Medication | Pain management |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | |
Segond fracture refers to an avulsion fracture occurring on the lateral aspect of the tibial plateau. This distinctive injury involves a small bone fragment being pulled away from the main tibial structure, often due to forceful twisting or hyperextension of the knee joint. The Segond fracture is closely associated with tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and is recognized as a reliable indicator of more significant ligamentous injuries.
Anatomy and Mechanism of Injury[edit]
The Segond fracture is believed to result from excessive tension applied to the anterolateral ligament (ALL), a structure connecting the lateral femoral condyle to the anterolateral tibia. Sudden force, as in sports or trauma, can cause the ALL to exert significant pull on the lateral tibial plateau, leading to the avulsion fracture. It commonly coexists with ACL tears, with up to 75-100% of Segond fractures occurring alongside ACL injuries. Additional injuries, like medial meniscal tears, may also be present.
Diagnosis[edit]
Clinical diagnosis of a Segond fracture involves a thorough history and physical examination, complemented by imaging studies such as X-rays. X-rays typically reveal the characteristic avulsion fracture, though small fragments may not always be visible. In such cases, computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide confirmation. MRI is particularly useful for assessing associated ligamentous injuries, including ACL tears.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of Segond fractures depends on the injury's severity and concurrent ligamentous damage. Isolated fractures without significant instability may be managed conservatively with knee immobilization, rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), pain management, and physical therapy. In cases of associated ACL tears or significant instability, surgical intervention is often necessary. This may involve ACL reconstruction, fixation of the avulsion fracture, and repair or reconstruction of other injured ligaments.
Prognosis[edit]
With appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, the prognosis for Segond fractures is generally favorable. Most patients regain full knee function and can resume pre-injury activities. However, recovery may take several months, and some individuals may experience residual instability or an increased risk of future knee injuries. Adherence to rehabilitation programs is crucial to minimize risks.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention strategies for knee injuries, including Segond fractures, involve proper conditioning, strengthening exercises, balance training, use of appropriate protective gear, adherence to proper techniques, warm-up and cool-down routines, and gradual progression in physical activities.
Complications[edit]
Complications of Segond fractures include persistent knee instability, post-traumatic arthritis, stiffness, re-tear of reconstructed ligaments, and surgical complications. Prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and diligent rehabilitation help mitigate these risks.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- The Segond Fracture: A Bony Injury of the Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee
- Segond Fractures Are Not a Risk Factor for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Failure
- Arthroscopic Repair of Meniscal Ramp Lesions Through a Posteromedial Portal During Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
- Segond fracture with anterior cruciate ligament tear: a case report of an uncommon fracture


