%0 Journal Article
%T Routine radiographic follow-up is not necessary after physeal fractures of the distal tibia in children
%A Antti Stenroos
%A Jani Puhakka
%A Jussi Kosola
%A Matti Ahonen
%A Topi Laaksonen
%A Yrjˋnˋ Nietosvaara
%J Acta Orthopaedica
%D 2019
%R https://doi.org/10.1080/17453674.2019.1643632
%X Background and purpose 〞 Unnecessary radiographic and clinical follow-ups are common in treatment of pediatric fractures. We hypothesized that follow-up radiographs are unnecessary to monitor union of physeal fractures of the distal tibia. Patients and methods 〞 All 224 (147 boys) children under 16 years old treated for a physeal fracture of the distal tibia during a 5-year period (2010每14) in Helsinki Children＊s Hospital were included in this study. Peterson type II fractures comprised 55% and transitional fractures (Tillaux and Triplane) 20% of all injuries. Fracture displacement and alignment was measured. Type and place of treatment was recorded. Number of follow-up radiographs and outpatient visits was calculated and their clinical significance was assessed. Results 〞 109 children had fractures with < 2ˋmm displacement and no angulation. The other 115 children＊s mean fracture displacement was 6ˋmm (2每28). 54% of all children were treated by casting in situ in the emergency room, 20% with manipulation under anesthesia and 26% with surgery (internal 57, external fixation 2). Median 3 (1每7) follow-up appointments and median 3 (0每6) radiographs were taken. Follow-up radiographs at or before cast removal did not alter treatment in any of the patients. 223 patients＊ fractures healed within 4每9 weeks in good alignment (≒ 5∼ angulation). Interpretation 〞 Routine radiographic follow-up is unnecessary to monitor alignment and union of physeal fractures of the distal tibia
%U https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17453674.2019.1643632