This narrative review covers the evaluation and management of tibial shaft fractures in children and adolescents, addressing how treatment selection varies by age, fracture pattern, soft-tissue injury, and associated injuries — from toddler fractures to high-energy open fractures in adolescents.
When managing a pediatric tibial shaft fracture, use age 8 and age 12 as your remodeling checkpoints: accept more deformity in younger children but hold tight reduction standards in adolescents, and never accept rotational malalignment at any age.
When an open tibial fracture is present in a child, counsel families early about the 25% risk of delayed union and the need for close follow-up.
This narrative review covers the evaluation and management of tibial shaft fractures in children and adolescents, addressing how treatment selection varies by age, fracture pattern, soft-tissue injury, and associated injuries — from toddler fractures to high-energy open fractures in adolescents.
When managing a pediatric tibial shaft fracture, use age 8 and age 12 as your remodeling checkpoints: accept more deformity in younger children but hold tight reduction standards in adolescents, and never accept rotational malalignment at any age.
When an open tibial fracture is present in a child, counsel families early about the 25% risk of delayed union and the need for close follow-up.