• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.30-37
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• 1997

Pilon fracture is an intraarticular fracture of distal tibia. It is high energy injury with significantly associated soft tissue damage, bone comminution, and articular surface disruption. Until recently, this treatment has followed the AO principles, Because the risk of complications outweighs potential benefits, the principle of a Pilon fracture treatment are changing. Newer techniques using articulated external fixation minimize disturbance of the soft tissue envelope and have decreased these complications. Series of 5 patients with Pilon fracture were treated by articulated external fixator and followed up more than 12 monthes at the Department of orthopaedic surgery, Kang Dong Sacred Heart Hospital, College of medicine, Hallym University. The results were as follows: 1. The type of fracture were type C2(3 cases),type C3(2 cases) according to AO-$M{\ddot{u}}ller$ classification. 2. The clinical results according to functional criteria by Mast and Teipner were good in 4 cases and poor in 1 case, which is an old fracture. 3. Techniques utilizing articulated external fixator were associated with satisfactory results and appeared to significantly decrease the incidence of soft tissue complication, post-traumatic arthritis, osteoporosis, and fibrosis of ankle joint.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.51-56
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• 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of mobilization application for the lower extremity after fibula Pilon fracture operation patient. Methods: The subjects was 62 years old male who was injury of Lt. fibula shaft Fx., 3 cuneiform & cuboid Fx., 2.3.4 metatarsal bone Fx., We were compared to result of physical therapy between pre and post exercise for 2weeks. Results: The results of this study were summarized below; The mobilization application of the Lt. lower extremity was significantly differences of the ROM at pre and post therapy after 2 weeks, especially in knee flexion ($40^{\circ}$). The increased of accessary movement was evaluated to increased of the physiologic movement about the joints of the lower extremity. Conclusion: We consider that factors of therapy result were not only fracture types, operation and reduction methods for the fibula Pilon fracture but also the ability of physical therapist's manual techniques.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.250-257
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• 2003

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.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.184-189
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• 2006

Purpose: To evaluate surgical treatment using two-staged MIPO technique in tibial pilon fractures involving tibial shaft. Materials and Methods: Twelve patients, who underwent two-staged MIPO technique for pilon fractures involving tibial shaft between January 2003 and May 2005, were followed for more than one year. Radiographs were graded by the criteria of Anglen and ankle functions were graded by the criteria of Mast and Teipner. Ankle function, union time and postoperative complications were also analysed. Results: Clinically there were eight (67%) good results, three (25%) fair results and one (8%) poor result. At the last follow-up, the radiographic results showed seven (58%) excellent results, three (25%) good results, and two (17%) fair results. During the follow up, There was one case of nonunion Conclusion: Two-staged MIPO techinque is one of the good methods for the treatment of pilon fractures invloving tibial shaft.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.26-32
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• 1999

Fractures of the tibial pilon are the severe injuries to the ankle joint resulted from axial compression, shear and/or rotational forces. The pilon fractures have been difficult in management due to the severe comminution of articular surface and frequent soft tissue problem. Among many treatment options, limited internal fixation of the tibia with long screws and multiple pins augmented with external fixation or casting provide adequate stabilization without soft tissue compromise. Among the patients of pilon fracture admitted to our hospital from March 1993 to March 1997 who treated by limited internal fixation and external fixation or casting, 25cases are included who could be follow up for more than 10months. According to Ruedi and Allgower, typeI 3cases, typeII 14cases, typeIII 8cases. The authors analyzed the clinical and radiological results of the tibial pilon fractures according to Magnusson. The results were as follow. 1. 10cases at Ruedi-Allgower typeII were obtained above fair and 5cases at Ruedi-Allgower typeIII were obtained above fair. 2. The postoperative complications were skin problem(3cases) and infection(2cases), which were treated by antibiotics and flap surgery.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.146-150
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• 2010

Purpose: Pilon fracture has several serious complications such as joint stiffness, arthrosis and delayed angular deformity. We report short-term results of new treatment modality using distracted dynamic external fixators and early controlled ankle motion. Materials and Methods: Eight cases of severe pilon fractures for which we tried small plate fixation and additional distracted dynamic external fixators from July 2007 to June 2009 were included. Half passive continuous ankle joint motion was allowed under free hinged ring fixators after the operation. The external fixators were removed after two or three months from the surgery. We investigated joint space by radiograph, joint pain, range of motion, patient's satisfaction of treatment protocol. Results: Joints were distracted when external fixators were applied and mean 28% of space loss developed after removal of external fixators. In most of cases, satisfactory alignments were maintained. Regarding range of joint motion, mean dorsiflexion angle was 15 degrees and mean plantarflexion angle was 32 degree in the condition of wearing external fixators. There was mean 8% reduction of range of motion but no further progression of ankle stiffness after removal of external fixators. Dorsiflexion was not improved after that, but plantarflexion angle was improved 10% even after removal of external fixators. Patients were generally in compliance with the treatment protocols with high level of satisfaction. Conclusion: We got good results with distracted dynamic external fixators and early continuous half-passive joint motion for pilon fractures in terms of joint pain and range of motion. Therefore we suggest this new protocol as an alternative modality for severe pilon fractures.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.51-57
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• 2011

Pilon fractures involving distal tibia remain one of the most difficult therapeutic challenges that confront the orthopedic surgeons because of associated soft tissue injury is common. To introduce and describe the diagnosis, current treatment, results and complications of the pilon fractures. In initial assessment, the correct evaluation of the fracture type through radiographic checkup and examination of the soft tissue envelope is needed to decide appropriate treatment planning of pilon fractures. Even though Ruedi and Allgower reported 74% good and excellent results with primary open reduction and internal fixation, recently the second staged treatment of pilon fractures is preferred to orthopedic traumatologist because of the soft tissue problem is common after primary open reduction and internal fixation. The components of the first stage are focused primarily on stabilization of the soft tissue envelope. If fibula is fractured, fibular open reduction and internal fixation is integral part of initial management for reducing the majority of tibial deformities. Ankle-spanning temporary external fixator is used to restore limb alignment and displaced intraarticular fragments through ligamentotaxis and distraction. And the second stage, definitive open reduction and internal fixation of the tibial component, is undertaken when the soft tissue injury has resolved and no infection sign is seen on pin site of external fixator. The goals of definitive internal fixation should include absolute stability and interfragmentary compression of reduced articular segments, stable fixation of the articular segment to the tibial diaphysis, and restoration of coronal, transverse, and sagittal plane alignments. The location, rigidity, and kinds of the implants are based on each individual fractures. The conventional plate fixation has more advantages in anatomical reduction of intraarticular fractures than locking compression plate. But it has more complications as infection, delayed union and nonunion. The locking compression plate fixation provides greater stability and lesser wound problem than conventional implants. But the locking compression plate remains poorly defined for intraarticular fractures of the distal tibia. Active, active assisted, passive range of motion of the ankle is recommended when postoperative rehabilitation is started. Splinting with the foot in neutral is continued until suture is removed at the 2~3 weeks and weight bearing is delayed for approximately 12 weeks. The recognition of the soft tissue injury has evolved as a critical component of the management of pilon fractures. At this point, the second staged treatment of pilon fractures is good treatment option because of it is designed to promote recovery of the soft tissue envelope in first stage operation and get a good result in definitive reduction and stabilization of the articular surface and axial alignment in second stage operation.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.102-111
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• 1997

The tibial Pilon fracture, which is defined as a comminuted intraarticular fracture of the distal tibia, is difficult to manage because high axial compression and rotational forces to the ankle joint result in impaction, severe comminution, metaphyseal disruption and soft tissue damage. There are variable methods of treatment such as manipulation and cast, calcaneal traction and cast, external fixation, pin and plaster, limited open reduction and external fixation, and open reduction and rigid internal fixation. Though most of authors reported better result after a surgical treatment. than that of conservative treatment, many complications such as posttraumatic arthritis and soft tissue problem still remain troublesome. We have reviewed 19 cases of the tibial Pilon fractures in 18 patients which were treated with limited open reduction and internal fixation from September 1993 to May 1996. The results were as follows: 1. The fractures were classified into five types according to the system of Ovadia and Beals, and the most frequent type was type 3 (53%). The most common cause of injury was traffic accident (47%). 2. All of the cases of type 1 and 2, in which the injury of the ankle joint was less severe, revealed good or excellent clinical results. But in type 4 and 5, because the injury is much severe and accurate reduction is difficult, the clinical results were unsatisfaetory. 3. The most frequent complication was posttraumatic osteoarthritis, and which developed in second frequent complication, was developed m the three cases of type 3 in which the radiographic results were less than fair, but there were no correlation with the clinical results. 4. We could markedly reduce the complications related to the soft tissue problem of Pilon fracture by treatment with limited open reduction and internal fixation, and consider that this is a good method of treatment of Pilon fracture when the injury is less severe and accurate reduction is possible.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.110-115
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• 2019

Purpose: This study analyzed the clinical and radiological results of Reudi-Allgower type II and III open tibia pilon fracture patients who underwent plate fixation after the recovery of a soft tissue injury after external fixation. Materials and Methods: From 2010 to 2015, this study analyzed 14 patients who were treated for open tibial pilon fractures and could be followed up at least one year. The mean age was 49 years and the average follow-up period was 19 months. An emergency operation was performed for external fixation and open wounds, and secondary surgery was performed for definitive fixation using a plate. The radiological and clinical evaluations were analyzed retrospectively. Complications, such as post-traumatic osteoarthritis and wound infections were also analyzed. Results: The mean duration between two-staged surgery was 21 days and the mean bone union time was 9.2 months. Three cases of delayed union and one case of nonunion were reported. The malunion did not occur in all cases. The average American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 68 points. A limitation of the ankle motion occurred in all cases. In four cases, wound infections due to initial open wounds occurred; one patient underwent a below the knee amputation due to chronic osteomyelitis. Post-traumatic arthritis occurred in 10 cases. Conclusion: Severe comminuted tibial plateau open fractures of Reudi-Allgower type II and III, which are high-energy injuries that result in extensive soft tissue damage, have a higher incidence of complications, such as ulcer problems and osteomyelitis, than closed tibia plateau fractures. Post-traumatic arthritis is the most common complication of tibia plateau open fractures, and staged surgery is recommended because of the relatively satisfactory clinical results.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.81-86
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• 2020

Purpose: Ankle fractures with dislocations and pilon fractures at the distal tibia are usually associated with soft tissue damage caused by high-energy damage. Recently, a two-stage operation to perform internal fixation after the application of external fixation devices for stabilizing soft tissues has been accepted as the treatment of choice. This paper reports the clinical result of these injuries treated with threaded trans-calcaneal pin external fixation devices. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three patients diagnosed with ankle fractures with dislocations or tibial pilon fractures without open wounds. They underwent surgical treatment with threaded trans-calcaneal pin external fixation from January 2008 to February were enrolled in this study. This study evaluated the visual analogue scale (VAS), foot function index (FFI), and Olerud & Molander score as well as whether complications occurred. Results: The average VAS showed a meaningful decrease (p<0.001) from 7.4 before surgery to 2.6 after application of the external fixation device, and 1.4 at 12 months after surgery. The FFI also decreased significantly from 84.3 preoperatively to 20.3 at 12 months postoperatively (p<0.001). The Olerud & Molander score averaged 71.4 points, showing good clinical results. Complete bone union was observed in all patients. One patient each underwent debridement due to wound necrosis and infection in the pin insertion site. At the final follow-up, seven patients had posttraumatic ankle joint arthritis, according to a radiological examination. Conclusion: Manual reduction and external fixation using a threaded trans-calcaneal pin is a suitable surgical technique that is easy to perform and shows good clinical outcomes in stabilizing soft tissue damage in fractures and dislocations of ankle fracture or tibia pilon fractures in foot and ankle injury.