[Epiphyseal fracture of the proximal tibia: review of the literature and report of simultaneous bilateral fractures in a 13-year-old boy]

Abstract

Proximal tibial epiphyseal injury is a rare finding in adolescents. We report the case of a 13-year-old boy with simultaneous epiphyseal fractures of both proximal tibiae to illustrate appropriate diagnosis and treatment of this condition. The injury occurred while performing a long jump: a Salter-Harris type II fracture of the right proximal tibia was sustained at take-off and a Salter-Harris type III avulsion fracture of the left tibial tuberosity upon landing. Closed reduction and internal fixation using K-wires were performed on the right side, whereas open reduction and internal fixation were done on the left side, using a lag screw and additional McLaughlin wiring.