Tibial fractures in children

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.

SP: planning of the study design, data collection and analysis, statistical analysis, and preparation of manuscript. SA: data collection and preparation of manuscript. ML: radiographic evaluation and preparation of manuscript. RP: planning of the study design and data collection. JP: planning of the study design and preparation of manuscript. YN: planning of the study design, data analysis, and preparation of manuscript.

No competing interests declared.