Perioperative Management of Tibial Spine Fractures in Pediatric Patients: A Delphi Study to Identify Principles of Treatment

Background: The Delphi technique is a structured, iterative group survey method utilized to reach a consensus among experts in a field regarding topics with evidence-based equipoise. Currently, there are few studies at the highest levels of evidence published on the perioperative tibial spine management, making it an ideal subject to utilize expert opinion to reach consensus decision. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to utilize a Delphi-method survey to achieve consensus statements regarding the perioperative management of tibial spine fractures. Methods: Before study initiation, 3 rounds of surveys were agreed upon, maintaining the traditional Delphi principles. Consensus was defined as 75% agreement or disagreement on a Likert scale. An anonymous survey consisting of 50 statements describing the management of tibial spine fractures preoperative and postoperative in varying scenarios was distributed to a group of 44 pediatric sports medicine orthopaedic surgeons utilizing an electronic survey software system. Results: Of 44 surgeons invited to participate, 24 responded to round 1, 28 responded to round 2, and 25 responded to round 3. Consensus was achieved for the following: use of x-ray to determine initial treatment; casting for a minimum of 3 weeks for nonoperative management, but <3 weeks if treated with surgical fixation; advanced imaging to avoid missing concomitant injury; the necessity of physical therapy, but not continuous passive motion (CPM); and for arthroscopic surgical intervention. It was also agreed that functional testing is important in return-to-play (RTP) decision-making, though the specific timelines and clearance criteria could not be agreed upon. There were statements that displayed continued disagreement, including the role of aspiration, preoperative range of motion management, and the timing of surgical scheduling. Conclusions: Utilizing a Delphi methodology with experienced surgeons on tibial spine treatment, consensus in the management of tibial spine fracture was achieved for definitive management strategies. Further study will be important to optimize our management of this youthful population with tibial spine fractures.