title: Treatment of pilon fractures using the Ilizarov technique. Case reports and review of the literature.
abstract: Tibial pilon fractures are difficult to manage because of their severity. These injuries are frequently open and contaminated, with marked comminution of the articular surface and metaphysis. The results of open reduction and internal fixation are dependent on the severity of the initial injury and the quality and stability of the reduction. The literature reports numerous complication rates associated with open reduction and internal fixation of pilon fractures. The Ilizarov technique of external fixation has fewer complications, and allows restoration of joint surfaces, reconstruction of length, and alignment of the extremity while maintaining a sufficient range of joint motion. Two cases of pilon fractures in which the Ilizarov method was utilized are reported, along with a review of the literature.
authors.affiliation: Division of Orthopaedics, Department of Surgery, Radiology, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica, West Indies. recrose@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Rec
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rose
mesh_terms: D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D018889:Ilizarov Technique; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*