What is a triplane ankle fracture?

Triplane ankle fractures are complex traumatic Salter-Harris IV fractures involving the metaphysis, physis, and epiphysis. The term “triplane” refers to the different orientations of the fracture lines in the distal tibia and represents a frequent diagnostic challenge.

What is a tri plane fracture?

A triplane fracture of the distal tibia is generally sustained during adolescence and occurs before complete closure of the distal tibial physis (growth plate). It represents 5-10% of pediatric intra-articular ankle injuries and typically presents in children aged 12-15 years.

What is a right ankle triplane fracture?

Introduction. Triplane fracture of the ankle is a known injury occurring in adolescents due to asymmetric closure of the distal tibial epiphysis [1]. It is a period of around 12-18 months when the distal tibial physis closure progresses from central to medial and then to the lateral side.

How to diagnose a triplane ankle fracture?

Triplane fracture 1 Epidemiology. In adolescents with closing epiphyseal plate (s) they are the most common ankle joint fractures – along with Tillaux fractures. 2 Clinical presentation. Symptoms comprise of pain and inability to weight bear. 3 Pathology. 4 Radiographic features. 5 Treatment and prognosis. 6 Differential diagnosis

When does a triplane fracture occur in a child?

Overview triplane fractures are a traumatic ankle fracture seen in children 10-17 years of age characterized by a complex SH IV fracture pattern in multiple planes treatment is closed reduction or surgical fixation depending on the degree of fracture displacement. Epidemiology incidence accounts for 5-15% of pediatric ankle fractures.

How big is a triplane fracture in CT?

A CT showing triplane fracture requiring ORIF with >2mm of displacement. You can clearly see why the fracture is called triplane, as it extends in 3 planes: coronal, sagittal and axial. Image from Orthobullets

What kind of surgery is needed for Tillaux and triplane fractures?

Displacement of >2 mm in any plane is an indication for surgery for both Tillaux and triplane fractures. The current author’s approach to operative treatment is to perform a closed manipulation aided by percutaneous screw compression to stabilize the anatomically reduced triplane and Tillaux fractures.