Fractures of the tibia through the proximal tibial epiphyseal cartilage

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1979 Mar;61(2):167-73.

Abstract

Thirty-nine fractures of the tibia involving the proximal tibial epiphyseal cartilage were treated at the Campbell Clinic over a twenty-five-year period. Stress roentgenograms were essential in making the diagnosis in three patients. Two patients had disruption of the popliteal artery, and both had posterior displacement of the tibial shaft. The other immediate complications that we encountered were anterior compartment syndrome, peroneal-nerve palsy, and associated ligamentous and meniscal injuries. Of twenty-eight fractures (twenty seven patients) with an average follow-up of 7.1 years, there were satisfactory results in twenty-four. Unsatisfactory results (four fractures) were due to chronic neurovascular insufficiency, growth disturbance, or traumatic arthritis.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anterior Compartment Syndrome / etiology
  • Arthritis / etiology
  • Casts, Surgical
  • Child, Preschool
  • Epiphyses / diagnostic imaging
  • Epiphyses / injuries*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fracture Fixation*
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal
  • Growth Disorders / etiology
  • Humans
  • Ligaments / injuries
  • Male
  • Paralysis / etiology
  • Peroneal Nerve / injuries
  • Popliteal Artery / injuries
  • Radiography
  • Tibial Fractures / complications
  • Tibial Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Tibial Fractures / therapy*
  • Tibial Meniscus Injuries