Seymour Fracture of the Hallux in a Child

The Seymour fracture is a “hidden” open physeal injury of the pediatric hallux that requires a high degree of clinical suspicion. We report a 6-year-old male with a one-week delayed presentation of a stubbed great toe, initially misdiagnosed as a minor soft tissue injury. Clinical signs of eponychial bruising and nail avulsion, combined with radiographic widening of the physis, confirmed a Salter-Harris Type I injury. The patient underwent irrigation, debridement of the incarcerated germinal matrix, and K-wire stabilization. The patient achieved complete union without infection, growth arrest, or nail dystrophy. This case emphasizes that aggressive surgical management is essential to prevent permanent deformity in these injuries.

Level of Evidence :

Level 4.