Genu Recurvatum: A Late Complication of Tibial Wire Traction in Fractures of the Femur in Children

Abstract

Seven cases of genu recurvatum following wire traction through the proximal end of the tibia in children treated for fractures of the femur are reported. A premature closure of the anterior part of the growth plate was most probably caused by too close a proximity of the wire to the tibial tuberosity. Where tibial wire traction is used in children it is advisable to insert the wire distal to the tuberosity.