K-Wire-Based External Fixator for Management of Salter-Harris Type-II Distal Femur Physeal Injury

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Traumatology

Background:

• Salter-Harris type II physeal slips of the distal femur are common pediatric knee injuries.
• Management often involves surgical intervention to ensure proper bone healing and joint function.

Observation:

• A 16-year-old male presented with a Salter-Harris type II distal femur physeal slip.
• Treatment involved closed reduction followed by fixation with a K-wire and clamp-based external fixator.

Findings:

• Knee range of motion exercises commenced one week post-operation.
• Radiological union was confirmed at 10 weeks.
• Implant removal was performed on an outpatient basis with favorable outcomes at one year.

Implications:

• K-wire external fixation provides an effective fixation strategy for distal femur physeal slips in older children.
• This technique yields favorable radiological and functional results, supporting its use in pediatric orthopedic trauma.