title: Pilon fractures treated with an articulated external fixator: a preliminary report.
abstract: Nine high-energy pilon fractures with severe soft tissue injuries were treated by a medial external fixator with an articulated ankle-hinge and limited internal fixation (1.7 screws per case). A 100% union rate was achieved; however, there was a 100% complication rate associated with the fixator. Both B3 fractures required a vertical transarticular pin to maintain reduction. Seven C2 fractures suffered calcaneal screw loosening and drainage, necessitating removal of the fixator prior to union. Due to these complications, the articulated ankle hinge could not be utilized. At a minimum of 6 months follow up, eight of nine fractures had acceptable radiographic and early clinical results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Allegheny General Hospital, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, USA.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: DiChristina
authors.forename: B L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Riemer
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Butterfield
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Burke
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004867:Equipment Design; D016267:External Fixators / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000601:surgery; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome