Buckle fracture of the proximal tibia in children and frequency of association with trampoline and inflatable bouncer use

Abstract

Background

Proximal tibial buckle fractures are often called “trampoline fractures,” but mechanisms are more varied.

Objective

To assess the frequency of trampoline or bouncer etiology among children with buckle fracture of the proximal tibia, characterizing demographics, alternative etiologies, and fracture patterns.

Materials and methods

We performed retrospective chart review of mechanisms, age and gender of children with radiographs interpreted as proximal tibial buckle fracture between 2010 and 2016. Two pediatric radiologists assessed presence of cortical impaction, cortical break, increased anterior scoop deformity, and oblique extension of fracture toward the physis. We studied the associations among demographics, etiology and fracture appearance using analysis of variance and chi-square/Fisher exact tests.

Results

We identified 145 exams interpreted as proximal tibial buckle fracture (median age 34 months, 64% girls). Bouncing surface was the most common mechanism (44%), and 80% of those cases reported multiple people on the bouncing surface. Falls were the second most common mechanism (30%). Children injured while bouncing were older (median 41 months) than others (median 21 months, P<0.005) and more likely to have oblique extension of fracture toward the physis (P<0.05). Buckle deformity was associated with a younger age (F=8.67; P<0.01), while oblique extension to the physis and concurrent fibula fracture were associated with older age (F=18.62, P<0.001; and F=8.02, P<0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

Trampoline use was the most common single mechanism of injury in children with proximal tibial fracture interpreted as buckle deformity. However, non-bouncing mechanisms were overall more common and occurred in a younger age group at risk for “toddler fractures.”