Comprehensive narrative review of pediatric physeal ankle fractures — the second most common fracture type in children. Covers anatomy, classification systems (Salter-Harris, Dias-Tachdjian), imaging strategy, management by fracture type, and surveillance for growth disturbance.
When a skeletally immature patient presents with lateral ankle pain after an external rotation injury, think transitional fracture — get a CT if plain films suggest >2 mm displacement, because surgical thresholds are strict and the fracture pattern drives your approach (anterolateral for Tillaux, consider percutaneous vs. Open for triplane).
Follow all physeal ankle fractures for 2 years watching for growth arrest lines that are non-parallel to the physis, which signal partial bar formation requiring intervention.
Comprehensive narrative review of pediatric physeal ankle fractures — the second most common fracture type in children. Covers anatomy, classification systems (Salter-Harris, Dias-Tachdjian), imaging strategy, management by fracture type, and surveillance for growth disturbance.
When a skeletally immature patient presents with lateral ankle pain after an external rotation injury, think transitional fracture — get a CT if plain films suggest >2 mm displacement, because surgical thresholds are strict and the fracture pattern drives your approach (anterolateral for Tillaux, consider percutaneous vs. Open for triplane).
Follow all physeal ankle fractures for 2 years watching for growth arrest lines that are non-parallel to the physis, which signal partial bar formation requiring intervention.