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Triplane fractures: do we need cross-sectional imaging?

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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Introduction

Diagnosis of Triplane fractures remains difficult in common practice. Aim of the study was the evaluation of the fracture pattern and the benefit of cross-sectional imaging in classification of Triplane-fractures.

Material and Methods

A total of 27 pediatric patients treated for ankle fractures were identified from patient charts. Radiographic images of epiphyseal fractures (X-rays and additional cross-sectional imaging) were blinded evaluated by 13 observers to answer a specific questionnaire regarding type or fracture and treatment suggestion.

Results

There were seven Triplane-I and eight Triplane-II fractures. The other physeal ankle fracture group consisted of four patients with a Twoplane-fracture, five Salter-and-Harris (SH) II, one SH-III, and two SH-IV fracture. Accuracy of classification improved considerably depending on the experience of the observer in pediatric trauma care. Surgeons specialized in pediatric trauma care classified correctly with conventional X-rays in 48.1 % of all cases presented versus 31.5 % appropriate diagnosis by younger fellows. Accuracy in exact specification of Triplane-fractures was comparable lesser in younger fellows (31.1 vs. 22 %). Cross-sectional imaging improved classification of all fractures in both groups (75.6 % specialized vs. 47.3 % non specialized). Whereas availability of cross-sectional imaging improved treatment recommendation in specialized surgeons this benefit was not detectable for the doctors without specialization. Evaluation of fracture pattern showed a relatively stereotypical fracture pattern in Triplane-II fractures, whereas Triplane-I fractures were more variable.

Conclusion

The additional information of cross-sectional imaging seems helpful for any physician in finding the right classification of a pediatric ankle fracture. However, the additive information appears especially viable for experienced surgeons to suggest the appropriate treatment.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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Author notes

  1. D. Schneidmueller

    Present address: Trauma Center Murnau, Prof.-Küntscher-Str. 8, 82418, Murnau, Germany

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Diaconessenhuis, Meppel, The Netherlands

    M. Wertenbroek

  2. Department of Trauma, Orthopaedic, Spine and Pediatric Trauma Surgery, Asklepios Klinik Lich, Lich, Germany

    R. Kraus

  3. Department of Trauma, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, Hospital of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany

    D. Schneidmueller, A. L. Sander, S. Wutzler, I. Marzi & H. Laurer

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  1. D. Schneidmueller
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  2. A. L. Sander
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  4. S. Wutzler
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Correspondence to D. Schneidmueller.

Additional information

D. Schneidmueller and A. L. Sander contributed equally to this work.

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Schneidmueller, D., Sander, A.L., Wertenbroek, M. et al. Triplane fractures: do we need cross-sectional imaging?. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 40, 37–43 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-013-0338-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-013-0338-7

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