The Segond fracture of the proximal tibia: a small avulsion that reflects major ligamentous damage

The Segond fracture is a small vertical avulsion injury of the lateral aspect of the proximal tibia just distal to the plateau. It results from excessive internal rotation and varus stress. The plain film and arthrographic findings were studied in nine patients with the fracture. Although previous publications have relied primarily on the anteroposterior projection for diagnosis, the injury was apparent only on the tunnel view in two of our cases. The arthrogram was particularly important in identifying abnormalities of the anterior cruciate ligament (nine of nine cases) and/or meniscal tears (six of nine cases). The arthrographic findings related to the lateral ligamentous damage depended on the severity of the injury and on the interval between the injury and the arthrogram. In our series, the Segond fracture was uniformly associated with detachment of the capsular portion of the lateral collateral ligament and tears of the anterior cruciate ligament. In the majority of cases, there were associated injuries of the menisci and other supporting ligaments.