Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery (Dec 2011)

Ipsilateral Tibial Shaft Fracture and Distal Tibial Triplane Fracture with an Intact Fibula: A Case Report

  • Walter B Sprenger De Rover,
  • Sulaiman Alazzawi,
  • Peter J Hallam,
  • Neil P Walton

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/230949901101900321
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 19

Abstract

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We present a case of an ipsilateral tibial shaft fracture and a distal tibial triplane fracture with an intact fibula in a 14-year-old boy. Computed tomography revealed the distal tibial triplane fracture with a 2.6-mm displaced Tillaux fragment and a posterior malleolar shear fragment. Open reduction and internal fixation was performed to optimise healing and outcome. This is a rare injury, for which a high index of suspicion is needed for diagnosis. Missing the intra-articular distal tibial triplane fracture could result in a disabling angular deformity (mostly varus) or limb-length discrepancy secondary to premature partial closure of the distal physis.