Pilon fractures: a new classification and therapeutic strategies / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Operative decision-making of Pilon fractures are of great challenges until now. The aim of this study was to investigate the guidance of the four-column theory in decision-making therapeutic strategies for Pilon fractures and its result.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and ten cases (107 patients) of Pilon fractures classified by the four-column theory and treated by ORIF, were reviewed. According to the four-column classification scheme, lateral column of 85 cases, posterior column of 66 cases, medial column of 77 cases, and anterior column of 61 cases are involved. Among all the 110 cases, single column of 14 cases, two columns of 46 cases, three columns of 17 cases, and all of four columns of 33 cases are involved.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>One hundred and eight cases have been followed up. The average follow up time is 14.7 months, varying between 7 and 52 months. The average healing time is 3.6 months, ranging from 2.5 to 8.0 months. Reduction of 86.1% reviewed Pilon cases are good or acceptable according to Burwell and Charley's Radiology Evaluation System. Ankle function of 87.1% cases are excellent or good according to the AOFAS evaluation system.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>As a simple and comprehensive classification, the four-column classification can contribute to reasonable operation decision-making and good prognosis of Pilon fracture.</p>

New strategy for decision making of Pilon fracture / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the guidance of four column theory in decision making of Pilon fractures and its result.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety-one cases of Pilon fractures classified by four column method and treated by open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) were reviewed from March 2005 to June 2009. Four column classification:lateral column of 67 cases were involved, posterior column of 34 cases were involved, medial column of 34 cases were involved and anterior column of 34 cases were involved. Among all the 94 fractures, single column of 20 fractures were involved, 2 columns of 49 fractures were involved, 3 columns of 15 fractures were involved and all of 4 columns of 10 fractures were involved.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Eighty-nine cases had been followed up. The average follow-up time was 16.2 months ranging between 6.0 and 39.0 months. The average healing time was 3.7 months ranging from 3.0 to 5.0 months. Reduction of 91% reviewed Pilon cases were good or acceptable according to Burwell and Charley's radiology evaluation system. Ankle function of 87.6% cases were excellent or good according to AOFAS evaluation system.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>As a simple and comprehensive classification, four column classification can contribute to reasonable operating decision making and good prognosis of Pilon fracture.</p>