Radiograph-negative ankle injury (peds)

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Background

  • Pediatric ankle injuries are common (>2 million ED visits in North America per year)[1]
  • Historically, there has been concern about missing a potential growth plate fracture (Salter-Harris Type 1), which can rarely result in growth arrest[1]
    • It was previously taught that the weaker physis would fail before the stronger ligamentous complex.[2]
    • This was commonly treated with immobilization (casting), follow-up imaging, and orthopedic referral (as opposed to adult ankle sprain)
  • Recent studies have questioned the need for this practice[3][4]

Clinical Features

  • Lateral ankle pain after inversion injury

Differential Diagnosis

Evaluation

  • Consider ankle x-rays

Management

Disposition

  • Outpatient

See Also

External Links

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Gill PJ, Klassen T. Revisiting radiograph-negative ankle injuries in children: is it a fracture or a sprain? JAMA Pediatr. 2016; 170(1):e154147-e154147.
  2. Blackburn EW, Aronsson DD, Rubright JH, Lisle JW. Ankle fractures in children. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2012; 94(13):1234-1244.
  3. 6. Boutis K, Narayanan UG, Dong FF, et al. Magnetic resonance imaging of clinically suspected Salter-Harris I fracture of the distal fibula. Injury. 2010;41(8):852-856.
  4. Boutis K, Plint A, Stimec J, et al. Radiograph-negative lateral ankle injuries in children: occult growth plate fracture or sprain? JAMA Pediatr. 2016; 170(1):e154114-e154114.