Functional outcome following closed reduction and percutaneous osteosynthesis of distal tibia articular fractures in children.

Closed reduction and percutaneous osteosynthesis is an alternative to the open procedure for articular fractures of distal tibia of children. 38 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The measured parameters were : the score of Gleizes and the discrepancies between preoperative radiographic and CT scan measurements and postoperative radiographs. A significant correlation was found between the gap and the step-off in preoperative radiographic and CT scan. A significant decrease of the gap and step-off displacement was noticed after surgery. The Gleizes scoring showed 35 good results, 2 average results and 1 poor result. Percutaneous fixation of ankle articular fractures in children is a simple and effective treatment giving similar results to open techniques while minimizing the risk of joint stiffness and healing complications. Growth complications are comparable with both techniques.