Treatment of posterior pilon fractures according to classification of die-punch fragments by CT scanning / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To propose a CT classification of die-punch fragments in posterior pilon fracture and to explore its significance in helping the surgery.Methods ACT scan classification of die-punch fragments in posterior pilon fracture into 5 types was proposed according to their size and location.A retrospective study was conducted of the 48 posterior pilon fractures which had been treated at Department of Orthopaedics,Huashan Hospital from January 2013 to December 2015.They involved 16 men and 32 women,aged from 20 to 87 years (average,46.5 years).According to the preoperative CT scan classification of die-punch fragments,16 cases (33.3％) belonged to type Ⅰ,2 (4.2％) to type Ⅱ,18 (37.5％) to type Ⅲ,10 (20.8％) to type Ⅳ and 2 (4.2％) to type Ⅴ.Choice of operative approach,reduction and internal fixation and removal of the fragments were guided by the CT classification of die-punch fragments.Their postoperative ankle functions were evaluated with American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analog scale (VAS) scoring systems.Results All the 48 cases were followed up for 11 to 21 months (average,13.7 months).Their AOFAS scores for ankle-hindfoot at the final follow-up ranged from 77 to 92 points,averaging 84.3 points;their VAS scores ranged from 0 to 1 point,averaging 0.2 point.There were no significant differences in their postoperative AOFAS scores for ankle-hindfoot or in their postoperative VAS scores between the types of die-punch fragments (P ＞ 0.05).No complications were recorded except superficial infection at the posteromedial wound of the ankle in 2 cases,tarsal tunnel syndrome in 2 cases,and sural nerve irritation in 2 cases.Conclusion It is feasible and effective to classify the die-punch fragments in posterior pilon fracture according to their size and location on the CT scan,because the classification can help choose an appropriate operative approach and manage the die-punch fragment,leading to fine clinical outcomes.