The “Toddler Fracture” is an un-displaced oblique distal tibia fracture seen in children 9–36months of age presenting with refusal to walk, often after an unwitnessed or minor injury. Diagnosis is often made clinically, because initial x-rays are negative in up to 50% of patients, and then confirmed by the presence of periosteal reaction on follow up x-ray 7–10 days later. Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) has shown excellent ability to detect distal radius, clavicle and other extremity fractures and published case reports suggest that POCUS can also detect Toddler Fractures. The objective of this proof of concept study was to establish the feasibility and preliminary sensitivity and specificity of POCUS in the diagnosis of Toddler Fractures, and to characterize the POCUS findings in patients presenting with clinical Toddler Fractures.

This was a prospective reviewer-blinded cross-sectional study of patients presenting to the emergency department of a paediatric tertiary care centre with presumed toddler fractures. All patients with suspected toddler fracture underwent lower limb x-ray. Those enrolled in the study also underwent POCUS of both lower extremities by a specialized provider. Treating clinicians were blinded to ultrasound results, and study sonographers were blinded to x-ray results. Study patients were then seen in paediatric orthopaedic follow up clinics 7–10 days later, and clinical assessment and follow up x-ray were performed as necessary to confirm diagnosis.

Toddler Fracture was confirmed in 5 of 27 patients enrolled in the study. Preliminary results demonstrate that these POCUS findings were detected on the scan in all 5 confirmed toddler fractures. Three of these patients had an initial positive x-ray and 2 went on to have toddler fracture confirmed on follow up x-ray and orthopaedic assessment. POCUS findings consistent with a toddler fracture were found to be cortical disruption and periosteal hematoma.

POCUS may be a useful adjunct to confirming a diagnosis of a toddler fracture when clinical suspicion is high and initial x-ray is negative. This pilot study provides positive impetus for further prospective study. The use of POCUS to confirm toddler fracture can decrease further radiation exposure to patients, allow early guidance to families on the management and expected recovery, and has potential to decrease burden on families and the healthcare system by potentially eliminating unnecessary follow-up appointments. Future study will help to better guide diagnostic and technical criteria, and provide guidance for appropriate medical education in this technique and interpretation.

Aim: A prospective randomised clinical trial was performed to evaluate two forms of immobilisation in the treatment of colles fractures not requiring manipulation.

Methods: Patients were randomised to either plaster cast (PC) or a removable splint: wrist splint (FWS) according to date of presentation. Patients who had associated injuries to the same upper limb, previous wrist fracture, and open fractures, below 20 years or impaired cognitive function were excluded. The hospital ethical committee approved the study and informed consent was obtained from patients. Patients were reviewed at one week, two weeks, six weeks and twelve weeks following enrolment into the trial. Radiographs were performed on the first four visits. Subjective data was obtained using a patient questionnaire. Levels of pain, comfort in cast, swelling and any modifications to the cast were documented. Was used at six and twelve weeks to assess Clinical assessment was performed by a qualified physiotherapist using the demerit score of Sarmiento which combines range of motion, grip strength and functional assessment.

Results: There were thirty-seven patients in the PC group and thirty-four in the FWS group. They were well matched in terms of age and sex distribution One patient in the PC group required manipulation under anaesthesia due to loss of position at one week. There was no statistical difference between either treatment method in radiological position. Nine patients in the PC group required change of cast due to loosening or discomfort. A further eight patients in the PC group required cast trimming. Visual analogue scores for pain and cast discomfort were lower in the FS group (p< 0.05). Grip strength compared to the opposite side was higher in the FS group (55.9% Vs 47.8% at week six, 71.8% Vs 65% at week twelve). Functional assessment demonstrated a higher score in the FS group at six weeks. However the difference did not reach statistical significance at repeat examination at twelve weeks.

Conclusion: In this study there was no difference in either method in maintaining fracture position. However there was greater patient satisfaction and earlier rehabilitation in those patients treated in a futura wrist splint. Patients treated in plaster cast required a greater use of plaster room resources. We feel that the use of a removable wrist splint in suitable patients with either undisplaced or minimally displaced distal radial fractures is validated by this study.