A pilon fracture, is a fracture of the distal part of the tibia, involving its articular surface at the ankle joint. Pilon fractures are caused by rotational or axial forces, mostly as a result of falls from a height or motor vehicle accidents. Pilon fractures are rare, comprising 3 to 10 percent of all fractures of the tibia and 1 percent of all lower extremity fractures, but they involve a large part of the weight-bearing surface of the tibia in the ankle joint. Because of this, they may be difficult to fixate and are historically associated with high rates of complications and poor outcome.[1][2][3][4]
| Pilon fracture | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Plafond fracture |
 | |
| X-ray of a fracture involving the articular surface of the Tibia | |
| Specialty | Orthopedic surgery  |
Pilon is the French word for "pestle" and was introduced into orthopedic literature in 1911 by pioneer French radiologist Étienne Destot.[1]
Classification
editPilon fractures are categorized by two main X-ray schemes, Ruedi-Allgower classification system.[4] and Müller AO Classification of fractures.[5]
Treatment
editThe treatment of pilon fractures depends on the extent of the injury. This includes the involvement of other bones such as the fibula and the talus, involvement of soft tissue, and the fracture pattern. Treatment strategies and fixation methods used include internal and external fixation, as well as staged approaches, with the aim of reducing the fracture, reconstructing the involved bones and restoration of articular surface congruence, with minimal insult to soft tissues.[4][6] Appropriate wound management is important to reduce the high rate of infectious complications and secondary wound healing problems associated with open pilon fractures.[7] Vacuum-assisted wound closure therapy and using a staged protocol (awaiting soft-tissue recovery before extensive reconstructive efforts) may play a positive role.[7]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Mandi, DM; Belin, RP; Banks, J; Barrett, B (Apr 2012). "Pilon fractures". Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. 29 (2): 243–278, viii. doi:10.1016/j.cpm.2012.01.001. PMID 22424487.
- ^ Liporace FA, Yoon RS (August 2012). "Decisions and staging leading to definitive open management of pilon fractures: where have we come from and where are we now?". J Orthop Trauma. 26 (8): 488–98. doi:10.1097/BOT.0b013e31822fbdbe. PMID 22357091.
- ^ Crist, BD; Khazzam, M; Murtha, YM; Della Rocca, GJ (Oct 2011). "Pilon Fractures: Advances in Surgical Management". The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 19 (10): 612–22. doi:10.5435/00124635-201110000-00005. PMID 21980026. S2CID 26549436.
- ^ a b c Rayan, A; Kotb, A; Elmoatasem, EM; Samir, S; EL-Sobky, TA; El-Hawi, E; Mahran, M (17 April 2018). "Open reduction internal fixation versus external fixation with limited internal fixation for displaced comminuted closed pilon fractures: A randomised prospective study". Journal of Orthopaedics, Trauma and Rehabilitation. 24: 84–89. doi:10.1016/j.jotr.2017.08.001.
- ^ Jacob N, Amin A, Giotakis N, Narayan B, Nayagam S, Trompeter AJ (November 2015). "Management of high-energy tibial pilon fractures". Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr. 10 (3): 137–47. doi:10.1007/s11751-015-0231-5. PMC 4666229. PMID 26407690.
- ^ Calori GM, Tagliabue L, Mazza E, de Bellis U, Pierannunzii L, Marelli BM, Colombo M, Albisetti W (Nov 2010). "Tibial pilon fractures: which method of treatment?". Injury. 41 (11): 1183–90. doi:10.1016/j.injury.2010.08.041. PMID 20870227.
- ^ a b Tarkin, IS; Clare, MP; Marcantonio, A; Pape, HC (Feb 2008). "An Update on the Management of High-energy Pilon Fractures". Injury. 39 (2): 142–54. doi:10.1016/j.injury.2007.07.024. PMID 18054017.