[Tillaux's fracture]

Tillaux fracture or fracture of the antero-lateral portion of the distal tibia has a vertical fracture line either at the middle of the epiphysis or close to the external malleolus. It is seen around 13-14 years. Distance from the fracture line to the external malleolus depends of the degree of closure of the epiphyseal plate. When the medial aspect of the physis is open, the fracture line is more medial. The location of the fracture line in the epiphysis therefore depends on the maturity of the physis as shown by closure of its medial portion. Tomography is frequently necessary to see the fracture line and mainly to appreciate the fracture gap. If the gap is less than two millimeters non operative treatment with plaster cast is sufficient.