Fixation failure in an isolated tibial eminence ACL traction avulsion fracture in a paratrooper: is there an association with vitamin D deficiency?

Tibial eminence avulsion fracture at the ACL footprint may be caused by high-energy forces such as a fall, in which the ACL ligament proves stronger than the forces that hold the bone together. For reasons of bone maturity however, tibial spine avulsion fractures where the ACL remains intact, typically occur in children but are rare in adults. This case demonstrates a rare type of adult tibial avulsion fracture with intact ACL and subsequent fragment fixation failure in which vitamin D deficiency may have been contributory. Because there is a high rate of inadequate vitamin D levels in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery and a known impact on bone healing complications, post-operative bone fixation failure may also occur. This case report may therefore prompt further awareness for considering pre-surgical vitamin D deficiency screening in adults presenting with rare avulsion fractures, and may further demonstrate its impact on surgical outcomes.