Open AccessThe Community Orthopaedic Surgeon Taking Trauma Call: Pediatric Tibia Fracture Pearls and Pitfalls
Author(s) -
Steven A. Lovejoy,
Charles T. Mehlman
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic trauma
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.221
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1531-2291
pISSN - 0890-5339
DOI - 10.1097/bot.0000000000001017
Subject(s) - medicine , malunion , orthopedic surgery , tibia , surgery , general surgery , physical therapy , prosthesis
Tibial fractures in children present a wide array of challenges to the managing orthopaedic surgeon. Injuries cover a spectrum from subtle tibial spine fractures to comminuted high-energy shaft fractures requiring free flap coverage. Significant risks range from malunion and leg length discrepancy to infected nonunions and Volkmann ischemic contracture. This article offers evidence and experience-based advice that is aimed at helping the community orthopaedic surgeon taking call.