Unexpected Salter-Harris type II fracture of the proximal phalanx of the second toe: a chiropractic perspective.

Objective: To discuss the diagnosis and management of a Salter-Harris type II fracture in a nine-year-old girl who was managed conservatively.

Methods: A nine-year-old girl fell while playing in bare feet in the grass. She experienced pain when she walked or moved her toe. There was minor swelling and bruising.

Results: Plain film radiographs revealed a Salter-Harris type II fracture of the 2(nd) proximal phalanx. Her toe was stabilized and she was referred to an orthopedist. Orthopedic management involved a taping procedure. After three weeks, her fracture healed and she was pain free.

Conclusions: Chiropractors may consider radiography of post-traumatic injury sites even with equivocal examination findings despite histories suggesting seemingly innocuous mechanisms of injury.