Periarticular fractures after manipulation for knee contractures in children

We report two cases, each of which sustained two separate periarticular fractures from overzealous manipulation for knee contracture. The four fractures reported in this study involve one normal child sustaining asynchronous ipsilateral distal femoral and proximal tibial fractures and a child with the diagnosis of amyoplasia sustaining bilateral proximal tibial fractures. The child with knee contracture must be treated carefully and not exposed to overzealous physiotherapy or manipulation. The child who has developed a joint contracture secondary to lengthy immobilization may be at increased risk for periarticular fracture secondary to disuse osteopenia. The knee joint is at particular risk because of the long lever arm of the leg. These concerns should be conveyed to anyone involved in the patient's care, including the parents, therapists, nurses, and physicians. Passive range of motion in the child should never be painful. Normal children often can obtain maximal range of motion if left alone and not restricted.