title: Hybrid external fixation in the treatment of tibial pilon fractures: A retrospective analysis of 162 fractures.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the efficacy of hybrid external fixation in the treatment of tibial pilon fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective, multicentre study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adult patients with tibial pilon fractures treated with hybrid external fixation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fracture reduction with ligamentotaxis and fixation with XCaliber hybrid external fixator.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fracture union, complications, functional outcome (Mazur Ankle Score).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Union was obtained in 159 fractures at an average of 125days; there were three delayed unions and three non-unions. The most frequent complication was superficial pin-track infections (48), all of which responded to local wound care and antibiotics. There were no deep infections and no DVT. Only one fracture had loss of reduction that required frame revision. The overall functional scores were 91 (excellent) for AO/OTA type A fractures, 89 (good) for type B fractures, and 75 (satisfactory) for type C fractures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hybrid external fixation is an effective method of stabilising tibial pilon fractures, particularly those with marked comminution. The minimally-invasive technique and stable fixation enable early mobilisation, with good functional results and minimal complications.
  
  
  METHODS
  Level IV Case series.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedics and Traumatology Department, Az Unita'Sanitaria Locale TA 1, Castellaneta, TA, Italy.
authors.forename: Vito N
authors.initials: VN
authors.lastname: Galante
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience and Organs of Sense, Orthopaedics Section, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bari, Bari, Italy. Electronic address: dott.gvicenti@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vicenti
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Dario Camberlingo Hospital, Francavilla Fontana, Italy.
authors.forename: Gianfranco
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Corina
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience and Organs of Sense, Orthopaedics Section, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mori
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Monsignor Raffaele Dimiccoli Hospital, Barletta, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonella
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abate
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience and Organs of Sense, Orthopaedics Section, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
authors.forename: Girolamo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Picca
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience and Organs of Sense, Orthopaedics Section, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
authors.forename: Vito
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Conserva
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, SS Annunziata Hospital, Taranto, Italy.
authors.forename: Domenico
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Speciale
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, SS Annunziata Hospital, Taranto, Italy.
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Scialpi
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedics and Traumatology Department, Miulli Hospital, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Bari, Italy.
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tartaglia
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedics and Traumatology Department, Di Venere Hospital, Bari, Italy.
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Caiaffa
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience and Organs of Sense, Orthopaedics Section, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
authors.forename: Biagio
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Moretti
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016683:Supine Position; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Distal tibia; Hybrid external fixation; Outcomes; Pilon fracture