Outcomes of pediatric distal tibial physeal fractures

Fractures of the distal tibia involving the physis are relatively common in children. The data reported on long-term complication rates vary between studies. Pediatric distal tibial fractures cause medium- and long-term growth disturbances. This was a retrospective single-center study. We included physeal distal tibial fractures that were treated in the operating room with a minimum 12-month follow-up. The analysis included age, gender, weight status, circumstances and energy of the injury, fracture type, subsequent treatment, complications, duration of follow-up, radiologic findings and functional outcomes using the AOFAS. A total of 46 patients were included with a mean age of 12.8 years (2.4–15.9 years) and a mean follow-up of 35.8 months (12–119). At the longest follow-up, 7 patients (15.2%) had growth disturbances. The mean AOFAS score was 95/100 and a decreased ankle range of motion was observed in 18 patients, but it was always less than 10°. High-energy injuries (20 patients) resulted in worse clinical outcomes and a significantly higher rate of growth disturbances (p=.03). This study confirmed the presence of growth disturbances following pediatric distal tibial fractures, especially in cases of high-energy trauma. Therefore, these fractures should be monitored until the end of the growth period. IV; retrospective study.