title: The use of external fixation in fractures of the tibial pilon.
abstract: The authors report the results of a review of 25 cases of fracture of the tibial pilon, treated by external fixation and minimal internal synthesis. Fractures were classified according to Rüedi and Allgower; they were: type 2: 11 (of which one exposed); type 3: 4 (of which 6 exposed). Complications observed during treatment were: pseudarthrosis: 1; osteomyelitis: 2; healing in valgus at 10 degrees: 2; osteolysis of the distal screws of the fixator: 4; these were all resolved with further surgery, except for an osteomyelitis that required amputation. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 10 years and clinical and functional evaluation, based on the Olerud and Molander score system revealed 80% good (56%) and excellent (24%) results.
authors.affiliation: Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica dell'Università, Verona.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Renzi Brivio
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lavini
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cavina Pratesi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Corain
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bartolozzi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000601:surgery*