Named after Paul Jules Tillaux (1834 – 1904), a French surgeon and anatomist. This fracture is a Salter-Harris type 3 avulsion fracture of the lateral portion of the distal tibial epiphysis. It occurs in adolescents before the distal tibial epiphysis has completely fused. Normal fusion begins at the medial end of the physis and progresses laterally.
A juvenile Tillaux fracture occurs when the medial epiphysis has fused and the lateral part becomes avulsed at the attachment of the anterior tibiofibular ligament.
A similar avulsion fracture involving the anterolateral portion of the distal tibia can occur in adults but is rarer because the ligament usually tears first.
References:
- Dahnert W. Radiology Review Manual, 5th edition. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins 2003
- Satishchandra, K Tillaux fracture eMedicine June 1, 2005
Credit: Dr Donna D’Souza
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