Limited internal fixation for the treatment of the Ovadia and Beals type II or III Pilon fracture

Ovadia와 Beals 제2형 또는 3형 경골 천정 골절의 제한적 내고정술을 이용한 치료

Purpose: Pilon fracture is caused by high energy and axial compression forces, and it is often associated with severe comminution and soft tissue injury. Recently, limited internal fixation of this fracture may avoid the soft tissue complications associated with formal open reduction and internal fixation and avoid incongruity of joint margin associated with conservative treatment. We have treated Ovadia and Beals type II or III pilon fracture with limited internal fixation and the results were satisfactory. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 15 cases of Ovadia and Beals type II or III fractures who were treated by limited internal fixation(K-wire or screw fixation) from January 1995 to December 2000. The average follow up period was 20 months(range, 12 to 38 months). According to the Ovadia and Beals classification, seven cases were type II, and eight cases were type III. Radiographic results were assessed by Ovadia and Beals criteria. We also assessed the functional results by Mast and Teipner criteria. Results: Radiographic results showed good in 67% and fair in 33% of cases. Clinical results showed good in 73% and fair in 27% of cases. There were no complications such as wound infection and skin necrosis, but traumatic arthritis were 2 cases. Conclusion: Pilon fractures are high energy injuries with significantly associated soft tissue damage and traumatic arthritis. Limited internal fixation offers good solution to Ovadia and Beals type II or III fracture.