Follow-Up Study on Surgical Treatment for Pilon Fracture

Abstract

We examined a surgical treatment and surgical results for pilon fractures. The subjects consisted of 27 men and 7 women with an average age of 47 years who were followed-up for 6 months to 8 years and 7 months (mean, 2 years and 1 month).
We classified these fractures according to the Rüedi classification. Postoperative results were evaluated using R. Gay & J. Evrard's criteria for function and Burwell's radiographic criteria.
The treatment for the Rüedi type I and II fractures was more or less open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The treatment for the Rüedi type III fractures was selected according to the type of comminuted fractures and soft-tissue injuries, and consisted of ORIF, external fixation, and external fixation with limited internal fixation. The results indicated that most patients were satisfactory except for some cases of Rüedi type III fractures.
The selection of treatment is important, and should be made according to the type of fractures and soft-tissue injury.