How I manage physeal fractures about the knee

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Skeletal Development

Background:

• Knee injuries in children and adolescents frequently affect the growth plate (physis) and adjacent bone structures.
• Skeletally immature patients with knee injuries necessitate thorough assessment to understand injury extent.
• Potential complications include growth arrest and resulting limb deformity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review common knee fractures in skeletally immature patients.
• To highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and management.
• To discuss specific fracture types affecting pediatric knee development.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on pediatric knee physeal and related fractures.
• Discussion of clinical presentation and radiographic findings.
• Analysis of management strategies to prevent long-term complications.

Main Results:

• Fractures involving the distal femur, proximal tibia, tibial eminence, patellar sleeve, and tibial tubercle are common.
• Early and accurate diagnosis is key to appropriate treatment.
• Management aims to restore alignment and preserve physeal integrity.

Conclusions:

• Distal femoral physeal, proximal tibial physeal, tibial eminence, patellar sleeve, and tibial tubercle fractures are significant concerns in pediatric knee injuries.
• Careful clinical and radiographic assessment is essential for optimal outcomes.
• Timely and specific management strategies are vital to avoid growth disturbances and deformities.