Toddler Fracture

  • Etiology: Usually due to torsion of tibia
  • Imaging Radiograph:
    — Hairline nondisplaced spiral fracture of tibia
    — May be best demonstrated on oblique views
  • DDX:
  • Complications:
  • Treatment:
  • Clinical:
    — In children beginning to walk upright who will not bear weight or who have a gait disturbance
    — Most commonly 9 months to 3 years
    — If present in a child who is not walking is suspicious for child abuse

Radiology Cases of Toddler Fracture

Radiograph of toddler fracture
AP (left) and lateral (right) radiographs of the tibia and fibula show a thin spiral lucency in the diaphysis of the tibia.
Radiograph of toddler fracture
AP (left) and lateral (right) radiographs of the tibia and fibula show a hairline spiral lucency in the tibia.