title: External Fixation combined with Limited Internal Fixation versus Open Reduction Internal Fixation for Treating Ruedi-Allgower Type III Pilon Fractures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The optimal treatment of type III pilon fractures remains controversial. Hence, we performed this study to investigate whether open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is superior to external fixations combined with limited internal fixations (EFLIF).
  
  
  METHODS
  From January 2012 to October 2013, a total of 78 patients were included. Twenty-six patients underwent EFLIF and 52 patients underwent ORIF. All subjects were followed up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. All outcomes and complications were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No statistical differences were observed in Mazur score or ROM between the 2 groups. There were significant differences between the 2 groups in hospital stay (P<0.001), reduction results (P=0.019), screw loosening (P=0.025), and traumatic arthritis (P=0.037).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Similar functional outcomes were achieved in EFLIF and ORIF groups. Due to several limitations of this study, a well-designed randomized controlled trial involving more patients and long-term follow-up is needed to find an optimal treatment protocol.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Army General Hospital, Beijing, China (mainland).
authors.forename: Yongzhi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, Chinese PLA No. 425 Hospital, Hainan, China (mainland).
authors.forename: Liangyong
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tong
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Army General Hospital, Beijing, China (mainland).
authors.forename: Shaoguang
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Army General Hospital, Beijing, China (mainland).
authors.forename: Zhi
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D001168:Arthritis / Q000209:etiology; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome