The pediatric tibial spine fracture can be considered the equivalent of the pediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, especially considering that failure to manage these injuries appropriately could result in substantial knee pathology and long-term functional failure. Arthroscopy-assisted internal fixation of the tibial spine fracture minimizes the patient’s hospital stay compared with that associated with an open arthrotomy approach, but the postoperative rehabilitation may be paramount to a successful outcome. Compared with conservative management, surgical reduction and fixation of these fractures decreases the risks of comorbidities related to meniscal tissue entrapment, the risk of anterior impingement, and the need for revision treatment. Repair should be considered for fractures displaced greater than 5 mm at their maximum, given the risk of revision when these cases are treated without surgery. After reduction and tentative fixation, the fracture can be managed with either suture or screw fixation. |