[Epiphysiolysis of the distal tibia. Treatment and results]

23 patients with traumatic epiphyseolysis of the distal tibia with and without additional metaphysical fragment have been seen at the Surgical Department of the University Children's Hospital, Zurich. 21 were treated conservatively, only 2 were operated upon. 21 of the 23 children were found for follow-up 2 to 11 years, mean 6 years after trauma. 15 were well and without any clinical symptoms, 6 had occasional slight pains with changing weather etc. Clinical examination was normal in all patients. 4 had axial malposition of more than 8 degrees at X-ray control. One patient with additional periostal interposition had an early epiphyseal closure and needed therefore an epiphyseodesis of the contralateral distal tibia. None of the 21 patients had more than 10 mm difference in length compared with the non-injured leg. Our late results confirm that in cases of traumatic epiphyseolysis, the conservative way is usually the treatment of choice.