Computed tomography in preoperative assessment for Pilon fractures / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the significance of computed tomography in preoperative classification and surgical planning for Pilon fractures. Methods A retrospective analysis was done for 52 cases of Pilon fracture who had been admitted to our hospital from January 2000 to June 2005 and whose X-ray, Axial CT scan and follow-up data were complete. In the preoperative evaluation, the fractures were classified, the fracture angles measured and the anatomy of fragments analyzed on the basis of their plain radiographs and CT scans. The operative methods and approaches were based on the specific fracture types, fracture angles and courses of fracture line on the CT scans. Five patients received manipulative reduction and plaster splint, five closed reduction and internal fixation with lag screws coupled with plaster splint, 17 closed reduction and internal fixation with minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO), 16 closed reduction and external fixation combined with limited internal fixation; and nine open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Results The average follow-up was 17.2 months.CT scan revealed an increased number of fragments in 21 patients. The fracture types were changed in nine patients according to new CT discoveries which revealed coronal main fracture lines in 61.5% of the cases and sagittal in 34.6% . The approaches and internal fixation positions varied according to the two different kinds of fracture. According to Mazur’ s criteria, the postoperative surgical results were evaluated as excellent in 30 cases, good in 13, fair in eight and poor in one. On average, the good to excellent rate was 82.7% for all the patients, 57.1% for patients with type Ⅲ fractures, but only 44.4% for patients with die-punch fragments in CT scan. Conclusions CT scan can increase accuracy in classification of Pilon fractures. Open reduction of articular surface is preferred for type Ⅲ fractures. Operative approaches and positions of the internal fixation should be based on the anatomy of main fracture lines and fragments. Die-punch fragments should be reduced under direct visualization and indicate unfavorable prognosis.