title: Fractures of the tibial pilon.
abstract: Fractures of the tibial pilon are difficult to manage because of their severity. They are the product of high-energy compression forces and too frequently result in comminution and impaction of the weight-bearing surface of the distal tibia. Other fractures involving the roof of the ankle joint may be called "pilon fractures," but have a better prognosis because the compressive force is coupled with torsional forces. Operative reduction with the application of stable fixation in a clinically proven sequence of steps may lead to a satisfactory outcome in approximately three fourths of the cases, but must be accomplished with a sound understanding of the anatomy of the ankle joint and the principles of stable internal fixation by a surgeon with good atraumatic technique.
authors.affiliation: University of South Florida, College of Medicine, Dept. of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tampa 33612.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Mast
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Spiegel
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Pappas
mesh_terms: D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*