FRACTURES OF THE TIBIA THROUGH THE PROXIMAL TIBIAL EPIPHYSEAL CARTILAGE

Thirty-nine fractures of the tibia involving the proximal tibial epiphyseal cartilage were treated at the Campbell Clinic over a 25-year period. Stress roentgenograms were essential in making the diagnosis in 3 patients. Two patients had disruption of the popliteal artery, and both had posterior displacement of the tibial shaft. The other immediate complications that we encountered were anterior compartment syndrome, peroneal-nerve palsy, and associated ligamentous and meniscal injuries. Of twenty-eight fractures (twenty-seven patients) with an average follow-up of 7.1 years, there were satisfactory results in twenty-four. Unsatisfactory results (four fractures) were due to chronic neurovascular insufficiency, growth disturbance, or traumatic arthritis.