Joint Preservation for Posttraumatic Ankle Arthritis After Tibial Plafond Fracture

Abstract

Management of posttraumatic ankle arthritis due to tibial plafond fracture is technically demanding. The distal tibial plafond-plasty could be an alternative to preserve the ankle joint for young patients with limited ankle arthritis. The surgical principles are to realign the mechanical axis, reconstruct the articular surface of the distal tibial plafond, and achieve a congruent and stable ankle joint. In addition to the anteroposterior view of the ankle joint, the lateral view was also paramount for surgeons to fully evaluate the reduction quality. The revision procedures are as follows: osteotomy for exposure, articular surface reconstruction, bone grafting, and osteotomy fixation.

Keywords: Distal tibial plafond-plasty; Joint-preserving surgery; Malunited ankle fracture; Malunited tibial pilon; Pathophysiology; Posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis.