Presentation
Left ankle pain following a jump.
Patient Data
Widening of lower tibial physeal plate, suggestive of Salter-Harris fracture.
Normal base of 5th metatarsal apophysis.
Widening of left tibial lower physeal plate with an undisplaced vertical fracture extending to the metaphysis, in keeping with Salter-Harris type II fracture.
Mild soft tissue swelling at the distal left leg and ankle.
Movement artifact is noted at the lower tibial metaphyseal region.
Case Discussion
An undisplaced Salter-Harris type II fracture of the distal tibia. It is the commonest type of Salter-Harris fracture in children and the ankle is the second commonest site after distal radius. It carries increased risk for premature physeal closure that depends on the degree of maximum displacement and high-grade injury mechanisms 1. Yet, it is considered a high-risk fracture with unpredictable sequelae as complications can occur in undisplaced injuries. The majority Salter-Harris type II fractures are managed by closed reduction 2.
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