Fracture of the Distal Radial Physis Complicated by Compartment Syndrome and Premature Physeal Closure

Abstract

Complications after injury to the epiphyseal growth plate of the distal radius are uncommon. An 11-year-8-month-old boy developed two complications--compartment syndrome of the forearm and premature closure of the physis--after a Salter-Harris Type I injury. Treatment included closed reduction, decompression, skin grafting, excision of the physeal bar, and epiphysiodesis of the distal ulna and the remaining open physis of the distal radius.