Treatment of Tibial Pilon Fracture Applied by Biologic Principle

Im, Sung Joon; Kim, Sung Jin; Yoo, Dae Sang; Sung, Ho Sik

Abstract

Fractures significantly involving the weight-bearing articular surface and the overlying metaphysis of the distal tibia have deserved notoriety as a severe and challenging subject of ankle injuries. It was not until 1963 that the AO group developed principles for open reduction and internal fixation of pilon fracture. But recently, limited internal fixation of the joint surface combined with external fixation may avoid the soft tissue complications associated with formal open reduction and internal fixation. We have treated 22 cases of tibial pilon fracture with biologic principle. The mean follow-up period was two years ranging from one to three years. According to the Riiedi and Allgower classification, three cases were type I, five cases were type II, and fourteen cases were type III Biologic treatment includes combination of internal and external fixation, external fixation alone, or plating was done with careful soft tissue dissection, limited stripping of fracture fragments, and indirect reduction technique. Radiographic results were assessed by Burwell and Charnley criteria. Three cases of type I, three cases of type II and seven cases of type III pilon fractures obtained good anatomic radiographic results. We also assessed the functional results by Mast and Teipner criteria. Three cases of type I, three cases of type II, six cases of type III pilon fractures obtained good functional outcome. We believed that combination of internal and external fixation provides the patient who has a markedly displaced pilon fracture and diaphyseal comminution with the best chance of good clinical result and minimal risks. As such, we believe biologic treatment is excellent for these injuries.