Complications of tibial eminence and diaphyseal fractures in children: prevention and treatment

Abstract

Fractures of the tibial eminence and of the diaphyseal tibia are common pediatric orthopaedic injuries. Although most tibial fractures can be treated nonsurgically, those that require surgical intervention may encounter specific complications. Surgical treatment of fractures of the tibial eminence may be complicated by failed fixation, knee joint stiffness, and arthrofibrosis of the knee, a complication rarely seen in children but occurring most frequently after tibial eminence injuries. Complications of healing after tibial fractures in pediatric patients are uncommon, although some tibial shaft fractures exhibit delayed union or nonunion, infection, and soft-tissue complications.