Adolescent-type Tillaux fracture of the ankle: two case reports

Fracture of the lateral portion of the distal end of the tibia in adults is known as the fracture of Tillaux (Tillaux, 1872). The fracture line extends vertically from the distal articular surface of the tibia upwards to the lateral cortex. The fragment is roughly quadrangular in shape. The analogous epiphyseal injury is less common and two such cases are presented here, both were fixed internally. There now appears to be a consensus of opinion that for fractures of the lateral portion of the distal tibial epiphysis open reduction should be performed, and that closed reduction should be reserved for undisplaced or minimally displaced fractures only.