Toddler's fracture: presumptive diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

The diagnosis of a toddler's fracture is frequently difficult at the initial evaluation because of negative radiographs. We propose the presumptive diagnosis of toddler's fracture, despite negative radiographs, when the history and physical examination are consistent with the diagnosis. This retrospective study was designed to evaluate how frequently the diagnosis is correct and to determine if there were any differentiating characteristics with respect to history, gait, or physical examination. Thirty-nine children were presumptively diagnosed with toddler's fracture. A total of 16 (41%) toddler's fractures was confirmed on follow-up radiographs. Comparing the children who demonstrated a toddler's fracture with those who did not, no particular characteristic was found that could predict the outcome. To avoid delay in the treatment of toddler's fracture, we recommend a long-leg cast on those children with a history of an acute injury, inability to walk or limp, no constitutional signs, and negative radiographs.