ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical effects of plate and lag screw fixation for treatment of Pilon fractures complicated with soft tissue injury via posterolateral approach.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From May 2013 to June 2016, 25 patients with Pilon fractures complicated with soft tissue injury underwent open reduction and internal fixation via posterolateral approach. There were 15 males and 10 females, aged from 25 to 61 years old with an average of(39.6±0.2) years. Plate and lag screw fixation were used in operation. Healing of soft tissue contusion and abrasions in the ankle wounds and injuries were observed after operation. The Burwell-Charnley standard was applied to assess the quality of fracture reduction and the AOFAS Ankle foot scoring system(total score 100 points) was used to evaluate the clinical effects.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the patients were followed up from 6 to 24 months with an average of 12 months. All operative wounds and soft tissue injuries were healed. According to the Burwell-Charnley standard, 22 cases obtained excellent results with anatomic reduction, while 2 cases were dissatisfied, and 1 case poor. The AOFAS ankle foot scores were 90.2±7.5 on average, with 20 cases of excellent results, 3 good, 2 fair.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Plate and lag screw fixation by posterolateral approach in treating Pilon fracture complicated with soft tissue injury shows advantage of avoiding injury to the anteromedial skin and soft tissue, provides forceful fixation without further injury.</p>