Complications after treatment of tibial Non fracture

Hong, Ki Do; Ha, Sung Sik; Cha, Hyun Jong

Abstract

PURPOSE
Aim of this study was to find the treatment and preventive method of the complication occurred after treatment of tibial pilon fracture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 10 cases of complication, which has required the unplanned operative treatment among 25 cases of tibial pilon fracture from 1994 to 1999 were analyzed rertrospectively according to the Ruedi-Allgower classification, open or closed fracture, isolated or polytrauma , type of complication, type of procedure, primary or delayed wound closure.
RESULTS
There were 1 type I, 3 type II, and 6 type III Ruedi-Allgower fracture type, 3 open fracture, 7 isolated and 3 polytrauma. 6 required plastic surgery procedure such as pedicle flap or full thickness skin graft and 7 required orthpaedic procedure such as osteotomy, cancellous bone graft, metal removal and currettage, debridement of ankle.
CONCLUSION
The complications after treatment of tibial pilon fracture are classified to intraoperative, early and late postoperative complication. Intraoperative complication include penetration of the joint by screw and inadequate reconstitution of the articular surface which can be avoided by taking intraoperative roetgenograms, early complication include wound necrosis which can be minimized by good soft tissue technique, late complication include nonunion, joint stiffness and posttraumatic arthritis can be treated by osteotomy, cancellous bone graft and anatomic reduction with early motion.