Salter-Harris Type 2 Injury of the Proximal Tibial Epiphysis in a 15-year-old Athlete: A Rare Case Report

BACKGROUND: Proximal tibial epiphyseal injuries in adolescents are uncommon accounting to 0.5 to 3 % of all epiphyseal injuries. Although rare, the proximity of popliteal artery puts this region at an increased risk of vascular injury and compartment syndrome. Also, premature closure of the growth plate can cause restrictions in growth and angular malformations. The fractures may often be missed on routine X-rays. Frequent monitoring and further testing should be done to better diagnose these injuries. CASE HISTORY: We present a case of an adolescent football player (15 years old) who injured his left knee and was diagnosed to have Salter- Harris II proximal tibial epiphyseal injury. Routine radiographs revealed minimal widening in his epiphysis anteriorly when compared to his contralateral knee. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings revealed a fracture passing through the growth plate of proximal tibia exiting posteriorly into the tibial metaphysis. Management included closed manipulation and plaster cast immobilization with regular follow-ups. At the end of 1.5 years, the patient had full range of motion without any residual deformities. CONCLUSIONS: High clinical suspicion is required to diagnose these rare injuries. When in doubt, MRI is advocated to better delineate the fracture as the potential complications can be limb threatening. Anatomical reduction and adequate immobilization should be done to prevent deformities and good functional outcome in the long term.