[A new radiographic technique for detecting avulsion fracture of the lateral malleolus in children]

Nihon Hoshasen Gijutsu Gakkai Zasshi. 2013 Apr;69(4):413-8. doi: 10.6009/jjrt.2013_jsrt_69.4.413.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to determine the usefulness of a newly-developed distal fibular axial view radiography modified method for depicting avulsion fracture of the lateral malleolus in children from a functional anatomy viewpoint. Conventional radiography was applied to sixty-nine avulsion fracture suspected ankles of 67 children. Average age and standard deviation at injury were 8.00 and 1.46, respectively. We compared the ability of the modified method to detect avulsion fractures of the lateral malleolus with those could not be depicted using the conventional method, and noted that 42 avulsion fractures (60.9%) could be depicted using the conventional method. We applied the modified method to 27 joints that the conventional method had diagnosed as normal. Of these, the modified method detected 13 avulsion fractures (48.1%). In conclusion, the modified radiography method made it possible to depict avulsion fracture of the lateral malleolus in cases that resisted detection by the conventional method.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Ankle Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Radiography / methods