Operative treatment of ankle fractures in children.

Fractures of the ankle (distal tibia) that involve the physis or the articular surface are one of the more common injuries for which operative treatment is indicated in children. It should be considered if accurate reduction of the articular surface, the physis, or both cannot be achieved by closed means. Operative treatment often will be required in Salter-Harris type III and IV fractures, juvenile Tillaux, and triplane fractures.