Concurrent Ipsilateral Tibial Shaft and Distal Tibial Fractures in Pediatric Patients: Risk Factors, Frequency, and Risk of Missed Diagnosis

Conclusions: In our series, 36% of the concurrent distal tibial fractures were not diagnosed until chart review for this study, which suggests the need for ankle-specific imaging in certain patients. We recommend ankle-specific imaging when an oblique or spiral tibial shaft fracture is located at the junction of the middle and distal thirds of the tibia or in patients in whom a distal tibial fracture is suspected because of pain, swelling, or bruising. Level of Evidence: Level III—retrospective comparative study.
Source: Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Trauma Source Type: research