Management of Pediatric Ankle Fractures

Summarize classic and recent information regarding the unique subset of ankle fractures in children with open growth plates and share the authors' decision-making and surgical techniques.

Recent research on pediatric ankle fractures has centered on the accurate prediction and prevention of growth arrest following fractures of the distal tibia. Another source of discussion is the necessity and benefit of CT scanning in classification and treatment approach. Pediatric ankle fractures continue to pose clinical challenges for orthopedic surgeons. While open anatomic reduction and internal fixation continue to produce good outcomes for intra-articular fractures, outcomes of physeal injuries are more difficult to predict. More studies are needed to determine which patients may benefit more from surgical treatment of physeal injuries.