An Uncommon Salter-Harris I Fracture of the Distal Femoral Physis With Marked Epiphyseal Dislocation

Abstract

This is a report of an uncommon Salter-Harris I fracture of the distal femoral physis with complete dislocation of the distal epiphysis. These fractures are most frequently sustained during sports injuries, with motor vehicle accidents as another leading cause. They are at high risk of nonanatomic healing with subsequent varus or valgus deformity or premature growth arrest of the physis with subsequent leg length difference. Although certain fractures of the distal femoral physis may be very rarely encountered in the emergency department, the unavailability of appropriate consult service or risk of vascular compromise may necessitate reduction by the emergency physician. This fracture-dislocation was reduced with intravenous opioid analgesia, gentle traction along the axis of the lower extremity, and firm but gentle manual reduction of the proximal femoral fragment. External casts alone have a high rate of failure in sustaining anatomic alignment, so percutaneous pinning is recommended as the definitive treatment. After reduction, this patient was transferred to a pediatric hospital capable of performing the necessary operative fixation.