OBJECTIVETo explore the internal fixation selection and the operative method of Pilon fracture.

METHODSFrom Aug. 2004 to Aug. 2007,there were 40 patients with Pilon fractures involving 30 males and 10 females. Thirty cases were closed fracture and 10 were open fracture. Seven patients were treated by emergency operation, 3 patients were debrided and suture at first. Twenty-three patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF),the other seventeen patients were treated with LC-DCP,reconstruct plate for fixation or screw, Kirschner wire combine screw for fixation.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up for 6 to 32 months (means 19 months). The time of union of fracture was about 3 to 5 months. The outcome was evaluated according to Baired-Jackson criteria, the results were excellent in 27 cases,good in 7, fair in 5, poor in 1. Seven cases were found the operative incision and wound surface difficult to heal,among them 5 cases came from the emergency operation patients, 1 case was closed fracture patient. They were be healed by change of dressing or dermatoplasty or skin flap.

CONCLUSIONIt is the key factor of treatment for Pilon fractures to correct evaluate before operation and select correct operation time. It is also important to selected suitable internal fixation and good reduction.