Tibial fractures in children

Authors

  • Sauli A Palmu
  • Sampo Auro
  • Martina Lohman
  • Reijo T Paukku
  • Jari I Peltonen
  • Yrjänä Nietosvaara

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3109/17453674.2014.916489

Abstract

Background — Tibial fracture is the third most common long-bone fracture in children. Traditionally, most tibial fractures in children have been treated non-operatively, but there are no long-term results.Methods — 94 children (64 boys) were treated for a tibial fracture in Aurora City Hospital during the period 1980–89 but 20 could not be included in the study. 58 of the remaining 74 patients returned a written questionnaire and 45 attended a follow-up examination at mean 27 (23–32) years after the fracture.Results — 89 children had been treated by manipulation under anesthesia and cast-immobilization, 4 by skeletal traction, and 1 with pin fixation. 41 fractures had been re-manipulated. The mean length of hospital stay was 5 (1–26) days. Primary complications were recorded in 5 children. The childrens’ memories of treatment were positive in two-thirds of cases. The mean subjective VAS score (range 0–10) for function appearance was 9. Leg-length discrepancy (5–10 mm) was found clinically in 10 of 45 subjects and rotational deformities exceeding 20° in 4. None of the subjects walked with a limp. None had axial malalignment exceeding 10°. Osteoarthritis of the hip and/or knee was seen in radiographs from 2 subjects.Interpretation — The long-term outcome of tibial fractures in children treated non-operatively is generally good.

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Published

2014-09-01

How to Cite

Palmu, S. A., Auro, S., Lohman, M., Paukku, R. T., Peltonen, J. I., & Nietosvaara, Y. (2014). Tibial fractures in children. Acta Orthopaedica, 85(5), 513–517. https://doi.org/10.3109/17453674.2014.916489