Objective To explore the imaging findings and diagnostic value of computerized tomography (CT) for children with distal tibial tri-plane fractures. Methods The imaging data of 39 children with distal tibial tri-plane fractures treated in the hospital were analyzed retrospectively. All children underwent computerized radiograph (CR) positive and lateral position, spiral CT plain scan and three-dimensional reconstruction. The diagnostic value of the two examination methods for classification of fractures was compared. Results According to the location of distal tibial epiphyseal injury, all children were lateral type. According to the number of fractures, 24 cases were two-part type and 15 cases were three-part type, without four-part type. According to the condition of fracture line involving the articular surface, 22 cases were type I, 15 cases were type II and 2 cases were type III. There were 12 cases of three-part type diagnosed as two-part type by CR. The location of articular surface in 15 cases was misdiagnosed or can not be diagnosed. 6 cases were misdiagnosed as Salter-Harris type III. All types displayed by CT scan were accurate and no angulation deformity was observed during follow-up. Conclusion Spiral CT plain scan combined with three-dimensional reconstruction is of high diagnostic value for distal tibial tri-plane fractures. Clinically, it can be combined with CR to provide valuable information.