Pediatric ankle fractures are defined as damage to the metaphysis, epiphyseal plate, and epiphysis of the distal tibia and fibula. Although the injury mechanism could be similar, the fracture patterns and treatment of pediatric ankle fractures are different from those of adults. In children, growth plate injuries are more common with a force that would cause sprains in adults because the ligaments are stronger than the growth plate cartilage in children. In the adolescent period, unique fractures, called “transitional fractures”, occur while the physis is closed. For a diagnosis, plain images of the anteroposterior, lateral, and mortise views are essential. Stress radiographs, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging can be used for suspected ligament injuries. The treatment goal is to restore the articular congruity, normal bony alignment, and preserve the epiphyseal plate to ensure normal growth. Pediatric ankle fractures frequently lead to premature physeal arrest, angular deformities, malunion, and posttraumatic arthritis even after anatomic reduction. Treating surgeons should follow-up children for a sufficient time and explain to the caregiver the possible complications before treatment.
PURPOSE The purpose of this article is to report on the pattern of medical process and relative frequencies of fractures in children and adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS The authors retrospectively analyzed the database of the health insurance review and assessment service regarding children and adolescents under 20 years old treated from 2008 to 2010. Newly registered numbers of fractures in children and adolescents according to sex, month, institution, and anatomical location were also reviewed. RESULTS A total of 1,893,416 fractures occurred during three years; approximately 630,000 cases were treated during one year (approximately 562 cases among 10,000 people during one year). During one year, the most fractures occurred in June and the least in February. Senior general hospital consisted of 5.72%, 12.30% in general hospital, 19.28% in hospital, and 62.70% in clinics. Among the fracture sites, 0.05% were cervical fractures, 0.91% in sternum and thoracic vertebra, 1.35% in lumbar vertebra and pelvis, 12.79% in shoulder and upper extremities, 26.87% in lower extremities, 38.10% in wrist and hand, 1.01% in femur, 10.40% in lower extremities including ankle, and 8.52% in foot excluding ankle. The maximal incidence was age 14 years in male and 12 years in female. CONCLUSION The authors reviewed the pattern of medical process and relative frequencies of fractures in children and adolescents.
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Analysis of Computed Tomography Scans for Radiation Safety Management in the Republic of Korea Min Young Lee, Ji Woo Kim, Ga Eun Oh, Geon Woo Son, Kwang Pyo Kim Journal of Radiation Protection and Research.2024; 49(3): 141. CrossRef
PURPOSE Even though emergent percutaneous pinning after closed reduction is the popularized treatment of the displaced type II and type III pediatric supracondylar fractures of the humerus, the timing of pinning still presents controversy. The purpose of this study is to suggest an appropriate surgical time without significant perioperative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS From April 1995 to January 2002, 179 consecutive patients who had undergone surgical treatment were selected. They were divided to 5 groups [A group: 8 hours or less following injury (24 cases), B group: from 9 to 16 hours (63 cases), C group: from17 hours to 24 hours (63 cases), D group: from 25 hours to 48 hours (18 cases), and E group: from 49 hours to 72 hours (11 cases)] and reviewed retrospectively to analyze perioperative complications and operation time. RESULTS There was no significant difference between each group with respect to surgical wound infection, iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury, VIC, operation time and the necessity of reoperation (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Within the parameters outlined in our study, we could not find the any meaningful correlation between surgical timing and occurrence of perioperative complications and also, we think that the timing of percutaneous pinning can be delayed to the time when a surgeon considers it appropriate.
PURPOSE To investigate the proper indication, technical point and complication of the early hip spica cast. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-one children with thirty-two fractures more than 2-year follow up were included. The patient's average age and weight were 5 year 2 months and 19.1 Kg respectively. Spica cast was applied as follow. First short leg cast was applied, and then patient was placed on the spica cast table. During the cast incorporation, the hip and knee flexed sufficiently to maintain length and alignment of the fracture, and popliteal fossa was well molded and padded. The meticulous valgus molding of the fracture site was also needed. RESULTS Average bayonet overriding of the fracture was initially 1.1 cm, however it increased to 1.5 cm during cast immobilization. In the 9 patients (28.1%), cast wedging correction were needed to 3 to 14 days after initial cast immobilization and the cause of correction was related to patients weight. At the final follow up, there was no serious functional or cosmetic complications. CONCLUSION For the successful treatment, the proper patients selection, meticulous cast application and careful radiographic assessment after cast application were needed.
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Stiff Knee by Entrapment of Quadriceps Femoris Tendon at Fracture Site in Paediatric Distal Femur Shaft Fracture Suk Kang, Jong Pil Kim, Chung Soo Hwang, Phil Hyun Chung, Young Sung Kim, Sang Ho Lee, Jin Wook Chung Journal of the Korean Fracture Society.2007; 20(4): 339. CrossRef