Posterior Tibiotalar Impingement After Pediatric Ankle Fracture Surgical Fixation

Abstract

Case: A 13-year-old healthy, nearly skeletally mature, female patient presented to an outpatient clinic after sustaining a bimalleolar ankle fracture-dislocation, which was subsequently treated with open reduction and internal fixation and casting. Postoperatively, the patient had significant limitations to ankle range of motion. Imaging revealed posterior tibiotalar impingement. The patient underwent arthroscopic debridement and osteoplasty, and she was able to return to previous levels of activity. Conclusions: Complications from pediatric ankle fractures are rare, so further diagnostic workup is warranted for patients with persistent pain and limitations.