The nomenclature for intra-articular vertical impact fractures of the tibial plafond: pilon versus pylon

Abstract

Although most of the controversy surrounding the treatment of intra-articular, vertical impact fractures of the lower tibia is due to the difficult clinical problems they pose, there is a minor, ongoing dispute regarding nomenclature. In the last several decades, these fractures have been called either pilon or pylon fractures. This study traces the etymology of both terms and relates them to their usage in the orthopaedic literature. Based on the origins of each word, and how they were introduced into the orthopaedic literature, it is concluded that the correct term for an intra-articular, vertical impact fracture of the lower tibia is pilon fracture.