An Example Case: Toddler's fracture: Careful examination of images revealed a subtle, oblique lucency (shadow line) traversing the distal tibial diaphysis and metaphysis consistent with a toddler's fracture (see Image 1).
A toddler's fracture is a nondisplaced spiral fracture of the distal third of the tibia resulting from a fall that causes twisting torque on the lower leg. It is the most commonly identified fracture in preschool-aged children presenting with a limp. This fracture is typically seen in patients aged 1-3 years when they begin weight bearing and when the toddler is just learning to walk. However, the fracture can occur in children as old as 6 years. This patient presented with the typical presentation of a reluctance and refusal to walk or weight bear on the affected leg and no history of trauma.
Both the physician examining the patient and the radiologist interpreting the radiographs often do not recognize the fracture. Because of the spiral nature of the fracture, internally rotated, oblique radiographs can aid in identifying the acute fracture.
Treatment for a radiographically obvious toddler's fracture usually includes application of a long-leg or below-the-knee cast for 3-6 weeks. If the initial radiographs are negative but toddler's fracture is still suspected, treatment is controversial and can involve splinting for comfort and repeat radiography in 7-10 days or application of a simple cast in all children to avoid a delay in treatment.
No reported complications have resulted from a failure to diagnose the injury when it occurs. However, in 1 study, children with radiographically or other imaging–confirmed fractures were not placed into a cast at the time of injury, and limping persisted in 10%; this limping resolved after they were treated with a cast. Follow-up radiographs obtained after 7-10 days may begin to show sclerosis evolving at the fracture site and the development of periosteal new bone along the tibial diaphysis (see Image 2). If a presumed toddler's fracture is not apparent on radiographs obtained after 10 days in an otherwise well child, further evaluation, eg, with bone scanning or MRI, is recommended to rule out malignancy or osteomyelitis.