Tibial Shaft Fractures in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

• * Tibial shaft fractures are common in the pediatric population.
• * Traditionally, the majority of pediatric tibial fractures have been managed nonoperatively, but surgical rates are increasing.
• * Management includes closed reduction and casting, flexible nailing, plate osteosynthesis, external fixation, and rigid intramedullary nailing.
• * Gustilo-Anderson grade-2 and 3 open pediatric tibial shaft fractures have higher complication rates than closed fractures.
• * The majority of pediatric tibial shaft fractures have excellent outcomes with an expectation for return to full activities.