Surgical treatment of posterior pilon fracture through the posteromedial approach / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To review the results and complications of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) through the posteromedial approach for posterior pilon fractures.Methods From March 2009 through November 2013,18 consecutive posterior pilon fractures were surgically treated through the posteromedial approach,involving 12 males and 6 females.Their ages ranged from 15 to 65 years (average,42 years).All of them were complicated with fracture of external malleolus,and 6 of them with fracture of anterior colliculus of medial malleolus.The time from injury to surgery ranged from 2 to 15 days (average,7 days).Results The patients were followed up for an average of 15 months (range,from 10 to 19 months).All the fractures healed after 11 to 16 weeks (average,13 weeks).No complications like neurovascular injury,implants failure,nonunion,or malunion occurred,except one case of superficial wound infection which responded to nonoperative management.According to the AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) evaluation system,15 cases were excellent,2 cases good and one case fair.Conclusion It is safe,reliable and effective to treat posterior pilon fractures using anti-rotation plate ORIF through the posteromedial approach.