Treatment of type C pilon fractures by external fixator combined with limited open reduction and absorbable internal fixation

Abstract

Introduction: This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical outcome of the treatment of type C pilon fractures by using an external fixator combined with limited open reduction and absorbable internal fixation.

Patients and methods: Twenty-five type C pilon fractures, including 4 open fractures, were included in this retrospective study. The procedure of first-stage manipulation and external fixation spanning the ankle joint was conducted as early as possible. For the second stage, the tibial and fibular fractures were reduced and fixed with absorbable screws or rods through a limited incision. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score (AOFAS) was obtained for evaluation of function. Twenty-one patients were followed postoperatively for a minimum of 18 months.

Results: The mean time of union was 4.8 months. Delayed union of the distal tibia occurred in 1 patient. Minor infection occurred in 8 patients and deep infection in 1 patient. No skin necrosis, malunion, loss of reduction, nonunion, or fixation failure was observed during the follow-up period. No hardware removal was needed, nor was adverse tissue reaction to the implants observed. An excellent or good AOFAS outcome was obtained in 81% (17/21) of the patients.

Conclusions: External fixator combined with limited open reduction and absorbable internal fixation was a reliable treatment for closed and open AO/OTA type C pilon fractures of the distal tibia.