Toddler's Fracture

A toddler's fracture is a common, often subtle, oblique or spiral fracture of the distal tibial metaphysis.

It typically occurs in young children who have recently begun to ambulate, resulting from the rotational forces and axial loading of an awkward gait.

Children usually present with a sudden onset of limping or a refusal to bear weight. Because the fracture line can be radiographically occult initially, imaging the entire lower extremity is often necessary.