[Establishment of Schatzker classification digital models of tibial plateau fractures and its application on virtual surgery]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the establishment of Schatzker classification digital model of tibial plateau fractures and its application in virtual surgery.

METHODS

Proximal tibial of one healthy male volunteer was examined with 64-slice spiral computed tomography (CT). The data were processed by software Mimics 10.01 and a model of proximal tibia was reconstructed. According to the Schatzker classification criteria of tibial plateau fractures, each type of fracture model was simulated.Screen-captures of fracture model were saved from different directions.Each type of fracture model was exported as video mode.Fracture model was imported into FreeForm modeling system.With a force feedback device, a surgeon could conduct virtual fracture operation simulation.Utilizing the GHOST of FreeForm modeling system, the software of virtual cutting, fracture reduction and fixation was developed.With a force feedback device PHANTOM, a surgeon could manipulate virtual surgical instruments and fracture classification model and simulate surgical actions such as assembly of surgical instruments, drilling, implantation of screw, reduction of fracture, bone grafting and fracture fixation, etc.

RESULTS

The digital fracture model was intuitive, three-dimensional and realistic and it had excellent visual effect.Fracture could be observed and charted from optional direction and angle.Fracture model could rotate 360 ° in the corresponding video mode. The virtual surgical environment had a strong sense of reality, immersion and telepresence as well as good interaction and force feedback function in the FreeForm modeling system. The user could make the corresponding decisions about surgical method and choice of internal fixation according to the specific type of tibial plateau fracture as well as repeated operational practice in virtual surgery system.

CONCLUSION

The digital fracture model of Schatzker classification is intuitive, three-dimensional, realistic and dynamic. The virtual surgery systems of Schatzker classifications make the virtual surgery training more normalized, programmed and standardized.In addition, virtual surgery system can serve as a new tool for preoperative planning and surgeon-patient interactions.

[Our experience with orthopedic damage control in high-energy tibial pylon fractures]

High-energy tibial pylon fractures represent some of the most severe injuries of the ankle joint and currently represent a challenge for the orthopedic surgeon. These are usually polytraumatized patients and before admitting them into the traumatology unit, spinal cord, pelvic or thoracoabdominal injuries should be ruled out. Due to the special anatomy of the area, its thin skin cover and subcutaneous location, soft tissues are usually severely affected and this is key when choosing the time for a surgical intervention. Although the definitive treatment of these injuries is controversial, the so called two-stage treatment seems to predominate in order to minimize soft tissue iatrogenic injuries applying the concept of orthopedic damage control of the limb. We present the preliminary results of 10 patients operated with this method at our center.

Contemporary internal fixation techniques for periprosthetic fractures of the hip and knee

The volume of total hip and knee arthroplasties continues to increase as the US population ages. The number of prosthetic complications, specifically those involving periprosthetic fractures, is also increasing. Periprosthetic fractures can be difficult to manage. Reduction and fixation of these fractures is a complex undertaking, primarily because the preexisting implants can obstruct the reduction and placement of fixation devices. It is crucial to consider the fracture location, implant stability, and bone quality when determining a treatment plan. Expertise in both fracture management and joint reconstruction is often necessary to provide the best care and outcomes for patients. Although periprosthetic fractures are challenging, advancements in surgical techniques and available implants offer the surgeon tools to provide good outcomes and patient satisfaction.

[Redintegration of articular surface and alignment with tibia type III Pilon fracture]

OBJECTIVE

To explore an improved method of surgical operation for redintegration of the articular surface and alignment with type III Pilon fractures.

METHODS

Between August 2005 and August 2010, 31 patiens with closed type III Pilon fracture (Rüedi-Allgöwer type III) were treated. There were 25 males and 6 females, aged 36.8 years on average (range, 16-60 years). The injury was caused by falling from height in 18 patients, by traffic accident in 10 patients, and by other reasons in 3 patients. The average time between injury and operation was 10 days (range, 6-14 days). Temporary external fixation was used for adjustment and maintenance of limb length and power lines; application of fibular flip combined with anteromedial approach was used for the repair of articular surface; and bone grafting and fixation were performed.

RESULTS

No extensive necrosis or deep infection were observed. Superficial skin infection of incision and wound edge necrosis occurred in 2 cases respectively, and were cured after dressing change. All patients were followed up 26 months on average (range, 9-79 months). According to the Burwell et al. judging standards of radiology evaluating, the anatomical reduction was found in 25 cases (80.6%), satisfactory reduction in 4 cases (12.9%), and unsatisfactory reduction in 2 cases (6.5%). The X-ray films showed bony healing was achieved in all cases with an average fracture healing time of 16 weeks (range, 12-25 weeks). According to the Mazur et al. criterion for ankle joint function, excellent result was obtained in 11 cases, good in 13, fair in 5, and poor in 2; the excellent and good rate was 77.4%.

CONCLUSION

Good exposure and fixation of articular surface or accurate adjustments and maintenance of the limb alignment are key factors of successful operation to treat type III Pilon fractures.

Pilon fractures: a new classification and therapeutic strategies

BACKGROUND

Operative decision-making of Pilon fractures are of great challenges until now. The aim of this study was to investigate the guidance of the four-column theory in decision-making therapeutic strategies for Pilon fractures and its result.

METHODS

One hundred and ten cases (107 patients) of Pilon fractures classified by the four-column theory and treated by ORIF, were reviewed. According to the four-column classification scheme, lateral column of 85 cases, posterior column of 66 cases, medial column of 77 cases, and anterior column of 61 cases are involved. Among all the 110 cases, single column of 14 cases, two columns of 46 cases, three columns of 17 cases, and all of four columns of 33 cases are involved.

RESULTS

One hundred and eight cases have been followed up. The average follow up time is 14.7 months, varying between 7 and 52 months. The average healing time is 3.6 months, ranging from 2.5 to 8.0 months. Reduction of 86.1% reviewed Pilon cases are good or acceptable according to Burwell and Charley's Radiology Evaluation System. Ankle function of 87.1% cases are excellent or good according to the AOFAS evaluation system.

CONCLUSION

As a simple and comprehensive classification, the four-column classification can contribute to reasonable operation decision-making and good prognosis of Pilon fracture.

Comparison of low, multidirectional locked nailing and plating in the treatment of distal tibial metadiaphyseal fractures

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the results of a new technique for low, multidirectional locked nailing with closed reduction and minimally invasive plating in the treatment of distal tibial metadiaphyseal fractures.

METHODS

Forty-six matched patients were divided according to age, gender, Injury Severity Score, and fracture pattern into group A (expert tibial nailing) and group B (minimally invasive plating). Then, the patients were followed up, and the clinical and radiographic results were retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

The mean followed-up was 24.7±2.7 months in group A and 25.8±2.8 months in group B. No patient had nonunion, shortening, hardware breakdown, or deep-seated infection. Patients in group A had a significantly shorter mean operating time, hospital stay, full weight-bearing time and union time (76±16.6 vs. 90±20.3 minutes, p=0.000; 5.8±2.1 vs. 8.9±3.1 days, p=0.000; 9.0±1.4 vs. 11.1±1.7 weeks, p=0.000; and 21.3±3.5 vs. 23.1±3.6 weeks, p=0.047, respectively). Three patients in group A and one patient in group B presented with malalignment (p=0.608). The mean Olerud-Molander Ankle score was 89.0±7.1 in group A and 87.6±8.4 in group B (p=0.478).

CONCLUSIONS

Distal tibia metadiaphyseal fractures may be treated successfully with low, multidirectional locked nails or plates. However, low, multidirectional locked nailing may represent a superior surgical option, since it offers advantages in terms of mean operating time, hospital stay, full weight-bearing time and union time.

Fuzzy approach for reducing subjectivity in estimating occupational accident severity

Quantifying or, more generally, estimating the severity of the possible consequences of occupational accidents is a decisive step in any occupational risk assessment process. Because of the lack of historic information (accident data collection and recording are incipient and insufficient, particularly in construction) and the lack of practical tools in the construction industry, the estimation/quantification of occupational accident severity is a notably arbitrary process rather than a systematic and rigorous assessment. This work proposes several severity functions (based on a safety risk assessment) to represent biomechanical knowledge with the aim of determining the severity level of occupational accidents in the construction industry and, consequently, improving occupational risk assessment quality. We follow a fuzzy approach because it makes it possible to capture and represent imprecise knowledge in a simple and understandable way for users and specialists.

Staged treatment and associated complications of pilon fractures

Historically, the treatment and outcomes related to pilon fractures have been variable despite anatomic reduction and fixation. Early results with treatment via early primary open reduction and internal fixation yielded mixed clinical outcomes, especially suboptimal complication rates, including infection, malunion, and nonunion. Treatment with external fixation also exhibited similar outcomes with mixed support reported in the literature. Despite continued controversy, the advent of newer implant technologies, improved surgical techniques, and management with a staged protocol have resulted in encouraging clinical outcomes with minimization of postoperative complications. Crucial decisions made during treatment can help to maximize outcomes while minimizing complication rates. Particular attention to the fracture pattern with radiographic guidance can help direct surgical decision making with appropriate care given to optimize soft-tissue status. A variety of available incisions can facilitate proper bony and articular reduction. During the late and failed stages of fracture management, additional treatment options include external ring fixation, arthrodesis, and arthroplasty. As complications arise, meticulous, prompt care can help to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Clinical study of a new design multifunction dynamic external fixator system for open tibial fracture

BACKGROUND

The tibial shaft is one of the most common sites of open fracture. External fixators emerged as the treatment of choice for high energy open tibial fractures because they were easy to apply, allow sufficient access for wound care and provide sufficient mechanical fixation for patient mobilization and bone healing. Based on the advantages of dynamization in increased union rate and the simplicity of monolateral frame, a new design dynamic external fixator system was developed for definite treatment in open tibial fracture.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical results of open tibial fractures treated with a new design dynamic external fixator system until healing.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The case series of 60 patients with open tibial fracture treated with the new design dynamic external fixator system for acute and definitive-treatment frame between 2005 and 2009. According to the system of Gustilo and Anderson, 14 fractures were classified as type II, 43 as type IIIA, and three as type IIIB. Partial weight bearing with crutches was instructed when tolerable for dynamization. When there were evidences of fracture healing in both clinical and radiographic, external fixator was removed.

RESULTS

All fractures united. The median union time was 12 weeks (range, 10-15) in type 11, 16 weeks (range, 10-24) in type IIIA, and 20 weeks (range, 20-21) in type IIIB. Iliac bone grafting was performed in six cases at a mean time of 3.8 weeks to enhance bone union. Seven cases (12%) developed pintract infections. No deep infection was found in the present study. Ninety-five percent of fractures united with less than 10 degrees angulation in any plane. No instrument failure was found. The external fixator frame could be reused.

CONCLUSION

The new design dynamic external fixator system successfully treated open tibial fractures with a good result and low complication rate. It is simple, safe, and easy to use.

[Tillaux fracture and fracture of the lateral malleolus with no medial soreness]

Tillaux fracture is a fracture of the anterolateral tibial epiphysis most often seen in children between 11 and 16 years of age. The fracture occurs when the medial and central part of the distal tibial epiphysis is closed and the lateral part remains open. We present a case with a combination of a Tillaux fracture and an ipsilateral fracture of the lateral malleolus in a 16 year-old boy and discuss the fracture mechanism using the Lauge-Hansen ankle fracture classification system.

The value of a CT scan compared to plain radiographs for the classification and treatment plan in tibial plateau fractures

This study aimed to evaluate the intra- and interobserver agreement for both fracture classification according to Schatzker and treatment plan of tibial plateau fractures using plain radiographs alone and with computed tomography (CT) scans. The study was carried out prospectively to assess the impact of an advanced radiographic study on the agreement of treatment plan and fracture classification of tibial plateau fractures. Eight experienced observers (six surgeons and two radiologists) classified 15 tibial plateau fractures with plain radiographs and CT scans and set up a treatment plan. Agreement was measured using kappa coefficients. Using plain radiographs alone, the mean interobserver kappa coefficient for classification was 0.47, which decreased to 0.46 after addition of CT scans. Using plain films alone for formulating a treatment plan, the mean interobserver kappa coefficient was 0.40, which decreased to 0.30 after addition of CT scans. The mean intraobserver kappa coefficient for fracture classification using plain radiographs was 0.60, which decreased to 0.57 with addition of CT scans. The mean intraobserver kappa coefficient for treatment plan based on plain radiographs alone was 0.53, which decreased to 0.45 after addition of CT scans. In contrast with other recent publications, there is no increase in inter- and intra-agreement of a CT scan compared to plain radiographs for the classification and treatment plan in tibial plateau fractures. Routine CT scanning of the knee for tibial plateau fractures is not supported by this study.

[Classification of pilon fractures by computed tomography and its guide to clinical treatment]

OBJECTIVE

To introduce a method of three-column classifications for Pilon fractures and observe clinical utility on column fixation.

METHODS

From June 2007 to March 2010,a total of 27 patients (29 ankles, 26 males and 1 female,ranging in age from 23 to 59 years, with an average of 33.1 years) with Pilon fractures were treated through column fixation by using semitubular plates or screws with anteromedial, anterior, posterolateral,posteromedial approach. And postoperative follow up were carried out.

RESULTS

The mean follow up was 17.5 months(ranged,5 to 33 months). According to the Mazur ankle grading system, the outcome was excellent in 20, good in 4 and fair in 5 ankles. Patients in this group did not have complications of wound dehiscence, deep infection, osteomyelitis, nonunion, ankylosis, and joint instability.

CONCLUSION

Based on the three-column classification, the clinical results for the treatment of Pilon fractures demonstrate the rationality and efficiency of this method.

A decision analysis of amputation versus reconstruction for severe open tibial fracture from the physician and patient perspectives

Although reconstruction is often the primary choice of surgeons after an open tibial fracture, there is no evidence to support the long-term effectiveness of flap reconstruction over below-knee amputation. The aim of this study was to perform a decision analysis to evaluate treatment preferences for type IIIB and IIIC tibial fractures. Reconstructive microsurgeons, physical medicine physicians, and patients with lower extremity trauma completed a Web-based standard gamble utility survey to generate quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Physicians assigned quite high utility values, and there was a slight preference for reconstruction over amputation, with a gain of only 0.55 QALY. Patients assigned significantly lower utility values and also favored reconstruction over amputation, but with a larger gain of 5.54 QALYs. The disparate utilities assigned by the physicians and the patients highlight the necessity of realistic discussion of outcomes, regardless of the management methods.

[Computed tomographic classification of posterior condylar tibial plateau fractures]

OBJECTIVE

To study the new computed tomographic (CT) classification, surgical approaches and clinical efficacy of posterior condylar tibial plateau fractures.

METHODS

From January 2006 to July 2009, a total of 39 patients of posterior condylar tibial plateau fractures were treated by posteromedial and posterolateral knee approaches. There were 23 males and 16 females. The mean age was 41.6 years old (range: 28 - 68). Among all patients, the causes were traffic accidents (n = 26), falls (n = 9) and other injuries (n = 4). By CT classification, there were type I with posteromedial condylar tibial plateau split fracture (n = 7), type II with posterolateral condylar tibial plateau split fracture (n = 5), type III with posterolateral condylar tibial plateau depression fracture (n = 11), type IV with posterolateral condylar tibial plateau split depression fracture (n = 2) and type V with posteromedial split and posterolateral condylar tibial plateau depression fracture (n = 14).

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 18.1 months (range: 12 - 30). The radiographic bony union time was 11 - 16 weeks (mean: 15.2) and the full weight-bearing time 12 - 20 weeks (mean: 15.6). No infection, knee varus/valgus, nerve injury or screw loosening/breakage was found. Bony union was achieved in all cases. According to the Rasmussen functional scoring, the results were excellent in 20, good in 14 and fair in 5. And the excellent and good rate was 87.2%. The radiological results were graded with the Rasmussen score to evaluate the reduction of fracture. The outcome was excellent in 28, good in 8 and fair in 3. And the excellent and good rate was 92.3%.

CONCLUSION

This new CT classification scheme of posterior condylar tibial plateau fractures can significantly improve the reliability, guide the clinicians to select appropriate treatment plans and design an ideal regimen of operative approach and internal fixation.

Tibial plateau fractures: internal fixation with locking plates and the MIPO technique

Proximal tibial fractures are difficult lesions to treat because of the involvement of the articular surface, the often occurring comminution, and the precarious condition of the soft tissues, especially following high-energy trauma. Aim of the treatment is to restore the congruence of the articular surface supporting the tibial plateau cartilage which is usually depressed; to fix the fracture with a stable device; to allow early rehabilitation. We present our treatment strategy, utilising closed or open reduction and internal fixation, angle-stable polyaxial plates, immediate osteointegration, when necessary, with autologous bone graft or other osteoconductive material augmented with autologous platelet gel. Surgery is soft-tissue dependent in terms of timing, and it is usually performed directly or under supervision of an experienced surgeon utilising, whenever possible, a tissue sparing technique. A cohort of 58 proximal tibial fractures, surgically treated, from January 2004 to June 2007, was retrospectively reviewed. Fractures were classified according the OTA/AO classification. The assessment of the functional outcome with the use of the Rasmussen score identified good to excellent results in 78% of the cohort 12 months post-surgery. Internal fixation with locking plates, following the principles of MIPO (Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Osteosynthesis), provides satisfactory fracture reduction with good results regarding the mid-term clinical outcome.

[Results of treatment of the intercondylar eminence of tibia in children]

Fracture of the tibial eminence in children is a condition in which there is no widely accepted and approved therapeutic scheme. The greatest divergence of treatment options concerns type II according to Mayers and McKeever classification. Described therapeutic options range from cast immobilisation of the lower extremity without attempt of closed reduction to open reduction with internal fixation. Paper shows the results of treatment of tibial emienence fractures in children treated at our institution. Cohort of patients consists of 21 children at age 7 to 16 years of age (mean 12.2 years). There were three cases of type I, five cases of type II and thirteen cases of type III fracture according to Mayers and McKeever classification. Operatively 16 patients were treated with type II and III fracture, and the rest of them were treated nonoperatively. Open reduction and internal fixation was performed according to modified technique described in 1937 by H. Lee. The results were evaluated by X-ray, clinical examination of stability and range of motion of the affected knee and by subjective clinical outcome with use of modified Lysholm knee scale. All patients treated operatively presented very good and good clinical outcome. Nonoperatively treated patients was a small and no homogenous group. Results of treatment ranged from very good to poor. Worse outcomes were associated with additional injuries to the affected knee (poor result in patient with type II fracture) and qualification for the conservative treatment in patient with type III fracture.

Tibial intercondylar eminence fractures in children: The long-term perspective

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To analyze objective and subjective results on medium-term follow-up of intercondylar fractures of the tibia in children.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective, single-center study of 32 fractures (17 boys, 14 girls) was performed. Fractures were itemized on the Meyers and McKeever classification as modified by Zaricznyj: there were eight type-I, 17 type-II, five type-III and two type-IV fractures. Treatment was conservative for type-I and II fractures (with mild displacement) and for the others surgical. Seven patients were lost to follow-up and one had insufficient follow-up for inclusion. Thirteen patients were assessed on a KT 1000 arthrometer and a dynamometer, and on the IKDC and ARPEGE scoring systems. Ten patients chose to answer only the subjective IKDC questionnaire, by mail.

RESULTS

The mean IKDC score of subjects answering by mail was 91 and of those with clinical examination was 80. Mean ARPEGE score was 8.3. Subjective IKDC score classified four patients as A, four as B, four as C and one as D. Mean difference in tibial anterior translation between affected and unaffected knees was 0.88mm for type I fractures, 0.82mm for type II and 0.30mm for types III and IV together.

DISCUSSION

The mean difference in tibial anterior translation between affected and unaffected knees was greater in patients with conservative treatment (0.96mm for conservative vs. 0.29mm for surgical treatment). Seventy per cent of patients reported pain at follow-up. Only two had pathological knee laxity. Twelve out of thirteen had returned to sport activity, half of them at the same level as before injury.

CONCLUSION

The cases treated surgically had a better objective result than those treated conservatively. Nevertheless there was no correlation between subjective evaluation and degree of knee laxity. Overall, intercondylar fractures of the tibial eminence in children have good long-term prognosis, at least subjectively. This study shows that, in spite of a very satisfactory subjective result for most patients, results were not so good on objective measures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV: retrospective study.

Tibial pilon fractures

Tibial pilon fractures are severe injuries to the distal articular surface of the tibia. Such injuries frequently result from high-energy axial impact and are often associated with extended soft tissue injury. Various treatment methods are available, depending not only on the fracture type but mostly on the extent of the soft tissue injury; one of the most frequent procedures is a two-stage surgery: the initial closed reduction of the fracture via primary placement of an ankle joint-spanning external fixator, if possible in conjunction with open reduction and internal fixation of the fractured fibula followed by a secondary procedure after soft tissue recovery by open reduction and internal fixation of the tibial plafond. By now, new types of low-profile and locking plates are available for internal fixation allowing the anatomical reconstruction of the fractured articular surface while sparing the soft tissue. Nonetheless, the treatment of tibial pilon fractures is technically demanding because of their potential for severe complications.

Staged external and internal less-invasive stabilisation system plating for open proximal tibial fractures

High-energy proximal tibial fractures are complex injuries that may lead to significant complications. Staged treatment of these injuries using a spanning external fixator across the knee joint in the acute setting decreases the incidence of complications. This article is a prospective evaluation of outcomes using a two-stage procedure for treatment of 15 patients who sustained open proximal tibial fractures between April 2006 and January 2008. In the first stage, we used low profile, less-invasive stabilisation system (LISS) plates for temporary external fixation to immobilise the fractures after anatomic reduction, followed by soft-tissue reconstruction. In the second stage, we applied LISS plates for definitive internal fixation, using minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis. All fractures were monitored for a mean of 20.4 months (range, 12-32 months). All fractures united at a mean of 38.6 weeks (range, 18-66 weeks). Knee motion ranged from a mean of 1 degrees (range, 0 degrees to 5 degrees ) to 125 degrees of flexion (range, 100 degrees to 145 degrees ). The reduction was scored as good in 13 patients and fair in two patients. At follow-up, 10 patients had excellent, and five had good knee scores. The complications included minor screw-track infections in three patients. In conclusion, the two-stage technique was well suited for treating these difficult injuries, and for patients who needed longer periods of external fixation. Surgeons were able to achieve gross anatomy restoration, soft-tissue reconstruction, stable fixation and high union rates. Patients obtained good-to-excellent motion, function and comfort after treatment.

[Distant functional outcomes of treatment and physiotherapy of tibial eminence fractures in adults]

Authors of paper present distant functional outcomes of treatment and physiotherapy of tibial eminence fractures basing on clinical material covering years from 1998 to 2006, that make up 15 patients, 7 women (46.7%) and 8 men (53.3%), aged between 18 and 57 years, on average 37.5-years-old. Subject fractures ware classified basing on Meyers i McKeever criteria, however obtained outcomes basing on IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) system. Obtained outcomes persuade authors to standpoint, that inoperative treatment of fractures type I leads to good functional outcomes, operative treatment of fracture type II leads to good functional outcomes too and operative treatment of fracture type III and III+ leads to sufficient outcomes.

Current concepts in tibial plateau fractures

Tibial plateau fractures can range from a simple lateral split pattern to very complex bicondylar injuries that can be a sour- ce of great disability. these fractures can provide a challenge for both junior as well as for senior surgeons alike. careful evaluation of the mechanism of injury and fracture pattern plays a crucial part in the operative planning. Assessment of the soft tissues should be performed carefully and adequate imaging is mandatory to allow a more detailed evaluation of the fracture architecture and pre-operativeplanning. Timely accurate reduction and fixation is the goal. Over the last decade the surgical approach chosen has been largely determined by the fracture pattern. Internal plate osteosynthesis through antero-lateral and postero-medial incisions is the most commonly utilised technique for complex bi-condylar fractures. An early range of motion with special attention to full knee extension is essential for a successful functional outcome. Application of the principles mentioned is a pre-requisite to achieve the best result. New fixation techniques, such as locking plates, have not changed those principles but helped to apply them more reliably.

[One-stage management of open distal tibial Pilon fractures]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the operative method of open distal tibial pilon fractures, and to evaluate the outcome of ankle joint function postoperatively.

METHODS

From March 2003 to March 2007, 24 patients with open Pilon fractures were treated with one-stage open reduction and internal fixation (18 males and 6 females). The average age was 37.6 years (14-53 years). All 24 patients had open fracture, 12 of whom combined fibular fracture. According to AO comprehensive classification system, the fractures was classified as C1 in 4, C2 in 9, and C3 in 11. According to Gustilo-Anderson classification method, the fracture was classified as Type I in 3, Type II in 5, Type III A in 4, Type III B in 10, and Type III C in 2. All tibial pilon fractures were treated by radical debridement, one-stage open reduction and internal fixation. Soft tissue defection was covered by a vascularized flap and continually washed by pipes under the flap.

RESULTS

All patients were followed-up at an average of 2.3 years (1-3.8 years) after the surgery. All the fractures healed at an average of 22.3 weeks (16-54 wk) postoperatively. According to the scoring system of Conroy, 17 were excellent (62.5%), 4 good (25%), and 3 poor (12.5%), the excellence rate was 87.5%. According to the ankle score of Teeny and Wiss, there were 11 excellent (37.5%), 7 good (37.5%), 3 fair (16.7%), and 3 poor (8.3%) and the excellence rate was 75%.

CONCLUSION

One-stage management for open Pilon fracture has the advantages of fewer complications, lower infectious rate, and better ankle joint function.