Distal tibial triplane fractures: diagnosis with CT.

Abstract

Distal tibial triplane features, which constitute 6%-10% of epiphyseal injuries, are most accurately delineated and analyzed with computed tomography (CT). This is directly related to the special geometry of these fractures that have important transverse components. CT, with its transaxial orientation, is the only radiographic technique that directly images the otherwise inaccessible, horizontally oriented tibial plafond, the integrity of which largely determines the prognosis. CT is the method of choice for preoperative and postoperative evaluation of these injuries.