RESUMO
The tibial pilon fracture has been described as difficult fracture to manage. We have reviewed 23 cases of tibial pilon fractures from Mar. 1987 to Feb. 1993 at our hospital. 1. The fractures were classified into five types according to the system of Ovadia and Beals and the methods of treatment were divided into two groups; 9 cases were treated with Ilizarov device(Group I). 6 cases out of Group I were type 3, 4 and 5. Other methods were performed in 14 cases(Group II). 8 cases out of Group II were type 3, 4, and 5. 2. In type 3, 4 and 5 fractures, there were 86 per cent good and fair radiographic results in Group I and 63 per cent good and fair results in Group II. 3. Satisfactory results were obtained by the treatment of Ilizarov method especially in type 3, 4 and 5 fractures. The advantages of Ilizarov device were its primary reduction with ligamentotaxis, easy open reduction due to proximal and distal stabilization, minimal soft tissue injury and minimal internal fixation.