Clinical evaluation of delayed open reduction and internal fixation for pilon fracture
- VernacularTitle:延期切开复位内固定治疗胫骨pilon骨折
- Author:
Jun LU
;
Hui CHEN
;
Yonggang LI
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Tibial fractures;
Fracture fixation, internal;
Osteotomy
- From:Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics
2001;0(01):-
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To analyze the results of distal tibial pilon fractures treated with delayed open reduction and internal fixation. Methods From September 1997 to May 2001, 26 pilon fractures were stabilized temporarily by application of plaster splint, bandage, calcaneal traction (closed fracture) or unilateral external fixations (open fracture) immediately after injury. There were 19 males and 7 females with an average age of 37.6 years ( 15 to 58 years). Of 26 cases, 6 were open fractures and 20 close fractures, 18 of which were associated with fibular fracture. According to Ruedi-Allgower classification, the fractures were classified as typeⅠin 2, typeⅡin 15, and typeⅢ in 9. The conditions of soft tissue were divided into mild close injury without tension vesicle in 8, and severe injury with tension vesicle or open wound in 18. The definitive internal fixations were performed on an average of 10.2 days (range, 7 to 15 days) after injury as soon as the soft tissue recovered. The final outcomes of treatment were evaluated based on clinical rating and radiographic results. Results All patients were available for follow-up at an average of 3.8 years (range, 2 to 5.5 years) after surgery. All fractures healed at an average of 12.7 weeks (range, 8 to 29 weeks) postoperatively. There were 9 excellent(34.6%), 12 good (46.2%), 3 fair (11.5%), and 2 poor (7.7%) results according the ankle score of Teeny and Wiss. The results were significantly affected by the type of fracture and the severity of soft tissue injury, the excellent and good rate was 88.2% in typeⅠandⅡ, and 66.7% in typeⅢ; the total excellent and good rate was 100% in the patients with mild soft tissue injury, and 72.2% in the patients with severe soft tissue injury. The complications including 2 wound superficial infection and 1 skin necrosis, occurred in 3 patients(11.5%), which were successfully treated by local dressing changes. The incidence of osteoarthritis were found in 16 patients (61.5%) showed by X-ray films, but the radiographic manifestations did not correspond well with the clinical score. Conclusion This two-stage treatment protocol for pilon fracture has some advantages of fewer complications and good function.
