Radiologic evaluation of juvenile tillaux fractures of the distal tibia

This study evaluated the accuracy of plain radiographs and computerized tomography (CT) in assessing juvenile Tillaux fractures of the distal tibia. A simulated Tillaux fracture was made in four cadaver specimens and displaced 0, 1, 2, 3, and 5 mm. Plain radiographs and CT were performed on each specimen at each amount of displacement, and the results were compared with the actual amount of displacement present. Plain radiographs and CT were accurate within 1 mm in depicting the actual fracture displacement about 50% of the time. CT was more sensitive than plain radiographs in detecting fractures with >2 mm of displacement. Fracture displacement of >2 mm is generally considered an indication for fracture reduction. Because of its sensitivity in detecting fractures displaced >2 mm, CT is the preferred imaging modality in the assessment of juvenile Tillaux fractures.