Management of neglected post-traumatic ipsilateral distal femoral and proximal tibial epiphysiodeses in adolescent: Case report

INTRODUCTION: It is important to remember the risk of post-traumatic epiphysiodesis in the context of high-speed impacts around the knee. This clinical case illustrates the risk of lower limb length discrepancy resulting from this, the treatment and management thereof. This case is unique in that it presents two ipsilateral distal femoral and proximal tibial epiphysiodeses, with secondary inequality of these two bone segments. CASE PRESENTATION: A 13-year-old adolescent is managed for a displaced diaphyseal fracture of the distal femur. He undergoes surgery for this fracture. He suffered high velocity trauma and is also likely to have suffered Salter V trauma to his distal femoral and proximal tibial ipsilateral physes. The consequence is an unequal length of the tibias and femurs. A femoral lengthening is performed and allows to restore a symmetry of the femurs. The asymmetry of the tibias is neglected, and a residual asymmetry persists and will be corrected later. DISCUSSION: The important elements on the management of high-speed trauma around the knee are recalled. A good assessment of bone growth is necessary and individualized treatment should be chosen. This case is particularly interesting because of the nature of the injuries, their consequences and their treatment. Unfortunately, neglecting the suspicion of physes injuries (especially in proximal tibial) is to be noted.