Comparison of Early and Delayed Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Treating Closed Tibial Pilon Fractures

Treatment of complex limb fractures with 3D printing technology combined with personalized plates: a retrospective study of case series and literature review

Background

In recent years, 3D printing technology has made significant strides in the medical field. With the advancement of orthopedics, there is an increasing pursuit of high surgical quality and optimal functional recovery. 3D printing enables the creation of precise physical models of fractures, and customized personalized steel plates can better realign and more comprehensively and securely fix fractures. These technologies improve preoperative diagnosis, simulation, and planning for complex limb fractures, providing patients with better treatment options.

Patients and methods

Five typical cases were selected from a pool of numerous patients treated with 3D printing technology combined with personalized custom steel plates at our hospital. These cases were chosen to demonstrate the entire process of printing 3D models and customizing individualized steel plates, including details of the patients' surgeries and treatment procedures. Literature reviews were conducted, with a focus on highlighting the application of 3D printing technology combined with personalized custom steel plates in the treatment of complex limb fractures.

Results

3D printing technology can produce accurate physical models of fractures, and personalized custom plates can achieve better fracture realignment and more comprehensive and robust fixation. These technologies provide patients with better treatment options.

Conclusion

The use of 3D printing models and personalized custom steel plates can improve preoperative diagnosis, simulation, and planning for complex limb fractures, realizing personalized medicine. This approach helps reduce surgical time, minimize trauma, enhance treatment outcomes, and improve patient functional recovery.

3D printing technology combined with personalized plates for complex distal intra-articular fractures of the trimalleolar ankle

This study investigated the effectiveness of 3D printing technology in combination with personalized custom-made steel plates in the treatment of complex distal intra-articular trimalleolar fractures, with the aim of providing a new approach to improve ankle joint function in patients. The 48 patients with complex distal intra-articular trimalleolar fractures included in the study were randomly divided into two groups: the personalized custom-made steel plate group (n = 24) and the conventional steel plate group (n = 24). A comparison was made between the two groups in terms of preoperative preparation time, hospitalization duration, surgical time, fracture reduction and internal fixation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy instances, surgical incision length, fracture healing time, follow-up duration, degree of fracture reduction, ankle joint functional recovery, and the occurrence of complications. The personalized steel plate group exhibited longer preoperative preparation time and hospitalization duration compared to the conventional steel plate group (p < 0.001). However, the personalized steel plate group demonstrated significantly shorter surgical duration, time for fracture reduction and internal fixation, reduced intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, and a shorter overall surgical incision length (p < 0.001). Both groups displayed similar fracture healing times and follow-up durations (p > 0.05). The personalized steel plate group showed a higher rate of successful fracture reduction (87.5% vs. 79.2%, p > 0.05) and a lower incidence of complications (8.3% vs. 20.8%, p = 0.22), although these differences did not reach statistical significance. Furthermore, the personalized steel plate group exhibited superior ankle joint function scores during follow-up compared to the conventional steel plate group (p < 0.05). By utilizing 3D printing technology in conjunction with personalized custom-made steel plates, personalized treatment plans are provided for patients with complex comminuted tri-malleolar ankle fractures, enabling safer, more efficient, and satisfactory orthopedic surgeries.

Reducing Complications in Pilon Fracture Surgery: Surgical Time Matters

OBJECTIVE

To correlate patient-specific and surgeon-specific factors with outcomes after operative management of distal intra-articular tibia fractures.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

3 Level 1 tertiary academic trauma centers.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

The study included a consecutive series of 175 patients with OTA/AO 43-C pilon fractures.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Primary outcomes included superficial and deep infection. Secondary outcomes included nonunion, loss of articular reduction, and implant removal.

RESULTS

The following patient-specific factors correlated with poor surgical outcomes: increased age with superficial infection rate ( P < 0.05), smoking with rate of nonunion ( P < 0.05), and Charlson Comorbidity Index with loss of articular reduction ( P < 0.05). Each additional 10 minutes of operative time over 120 minutes was associated with increased odds of requiring I&D and any treatment for infection. The same linear effect was seen with the addition of each fibular plate. The number of approaches, type of approach, use of bone graft, and staging were not associated with infection outcomes. Each additional 10 minutes of operative time over 120 minutes was associated with an increased rate of implant removal, as did fibular plating.

CONCLUSIONS

While many of the patient-specific factors that negatively affect surgical outcomes for pilon fractures may not be modifiable, surgeon-specific factors need to be carefully examined because these may be addressed. Pilon fracture fixation has evolved to increasingly use fragment-specific approaches applied with a staged approach. Although the number and type of approaches did not affect outcomes, longer operative time was associated with increased odds of infection, while additional fibular plate fixation was associated with higher odds of both infection and implant removal. Potential benefits of additional fixation should be weighed against operative time and associated risk of complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Acute Fixation Protocol for High-Energy Tibial Pilon Fractures Decreases Time to Fixation and Lowers Operative Costs Without Affecting Wound Complications and Reoperations

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether an acute fixation protocol for high-energy tibial pilon fractures increases the rate of wound complications.

DESIGN

Retrospective comparative study.

SETTING

Urban level 1 trauma center.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

One hundred forty-seven patients with OTA/AO 43B and 43C high-energy tibial pilon fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

INTERVENTION

Acute (<48 hours) versus delayed ORIF protocols.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT

Wound complications, reoperations, time to fixation, operative costs, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Patients were compared by protocol, regardless of ORIF timing, for an intention-to-treat analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-five and 112 high-energy pilon fractures were treated under the acute and delayed ORIF protocols, respectively. In the acute ORIF protocol group, 82.9% of patients received acute ORIF versus 15.2% of patients in the standard delayed protocol group. The 2 groups had no observed difference (OD) in the rate of wound complications (OD -5.7%, confidence interval (95% CI) -16.1% to 7.8%; P = 0.56) or reoperations (OD -3.9%, 95% CI, -14.1% to 9.4%; P = 0.76). The acute ORIF protocol group had a shorter LOS (OD -2.0, 95% CI, -4.0 to 0.0; P = 0.02) and lower operative costs (OD $-2709.27, 95% CI, -3582.02 to -1601.16; P < 0.01). On multivariate analysis, wound complications were associated with open fractures (odds ratio 3.36, 95% CI, 1.06-10.69; P = 0.04) and an American Society of Anesthesiologists score >2 (odds ratio 3.68, 95% CI, 1.07-12.67; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that an acute fixation protocol for high-energy pilon fractures decreases time to definitive fixation, lowers operative costs, and shortens hospital LOS without affecting wound complications or reoperations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Management of High-Energy Tibial Pilon Fractures

➤ Pilon fractures in the younger patient population are frequently high-energy, intra-articular injuries and are associated with devastating, long-term impacts on patient-reported outcomes and health-related quality of life, as well as high rates of persistent disability.➤ Judicious management of associated soft-tissue injury, including open fractures, is essential to minimizing complications. Optimizing medical comorbidities and negative social behaviors (e.g., smoking) should be addressed perioperatively.➤ Delayed internal fixation with interval temporizing external fixation represents the preferred technique for managing most high-energy pilon fractures presenting with characteristically substantial soft-tissue trauma. In some cases, surgeons elect to utilize circular fixation for these scenarios.➤ Although there have been treatment advances, the results have been generally poor, with high rates of posttraumatic arthritis, despite expert care.➤ Primary arthrodesis may be indicated in cases with severe articular cartilage injury that, in the opinion of the treating surgeon, is likely unsalvageable at the time of the index management.➤ The addition of intrawound vancomycin powder at the time of definitive fixation represents a low-cost prophylactic measure that appears to be effective in reducing gram-positive deep surgical site infections.

Pilon fractures: Consensus and controversy

Pilon fractures are complex injuries that require an individualized approach to treatment to avoid complications and achieve good outcomes. Staged open reduction internal fixation remains the gold standard for most cases to achieve anatomic articular reduction while minimizing soft tissue complications and infection. Careful preoperative planning based on computed tomography dictates the surgical approach for reduction. A subset of cases may be amenable to early definitive or provisional open reduction and internal fixation based on fracture pattern. In some cases of severe articular comminution where reconstruction is not possible, primary ankle arthrodesis may be a good alternative.

Retrograde Intramedullary Kirschner Wire Fixation as an Alternative for Treating Distal Fibular Shaft Fractures Combined with Distal Tibial Pilon Fractures

Treatment or management techniques for pilon fractures are associated with high complication rates and poor outcomes. No consensus exists regarding the optimal surgical option for pilon fractures, especially for pilon fractures combined with distal fibular fractures. Accordingly, we explored the use of fibular fixation for treating pilon fractures involving distal fibular shaft fractures. We hypothesized that retrograde intramedullary Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation is a suitable alternative technique for distal fibular fixation. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 156 patients who underwent surgery for pilon fractures at our hospital from May 2013 to May 2021. The radiographic and functional outcomes were comparable between the fibular intramedullary nailing (Group A; n = 80) and the fibular plating (Group B; n = 76) groups. Groups A and B differed significantly in total hospitalization time (11.4 vs. 18.2 days, p = 0.024), length of postoperative admission (6.8 vs. 11.4 days, p = 0.012), and total admission cost (USD 3624 vs. USD 6145, p = 0.004). We also noted that poor Olerud and Molander ankle scores were significantly associated with age (p = 0.008), smoking (p = 0.012), and preoperative admission length (p = 0.018). Retrograde intramedullary K-wire fixation produced a comparable 12-month functional outcome to plate fixation for distal fibular shaft fractures, rendering it a viable alternative method based on soft tissue condition.

A Current Concepts Update in Pilon Fracture Management

A review of the existing literature, related to treatment options and management principles of pilon fractures, was performed, and its results are presented. Pilon fractures have a very diverse pattern, but there are general characteristics to help diagnose and plan therapy. The choice of therapy is highly dependent on the surrounding soft-tissue environment. Different methods of treatment, lack of standard management protocols, and the high risk of complications make this injury one of the biggest challenges that an orthopedic surgeon can face. This review focuses on the general aspects of the pilon fracture management as well as its complications and possible solutions.

Open versus closed pilon fractures: Comparison of management, outcomes, and complications

BACKGROUND

Despite the low incidence of pilon fractures amongst lower limb injuries, their high impact nature presents difficulties in surgical management and recovery. The high complication rate and long recovery times presents a challenge for surgeons and patients. Current literature is varied, with no universal treatment algorithm. We aim to highlight differences in outcomes and complications between open and closed pilon fractures, and between patients treated by open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) or fine wire fixator (FWF) for open and closed fracture subgroups.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted at a major trauma centre including 135 patients over a 6-year period. Primary outcome was AOFAS score at 3, 6, and 12-months post-injury. Secondary outcomes included time to partial weight-bear (PWB) and full weight-bear (FWB), bone union time, and complications during the follow-up time. AO/OTA classification was used (43A: n = 23, 43B: n = 30, 43C: n = 82). Interobserver agreement was high for bone union time (kappa=0.882) and AO/OTA class (kappa=0.807).

RESULTS

Higher AOFAS scores were seen in ORIF groups of both open and closed fractures, compared to FWF groups. The difference was not statistically significant apart from 12-month AOFAS score of 43C open fractures (p = 0.003) and in 43B closed fractures 3 and 6 months post-injury (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). The majority of ORIF subgroups, open and closed fractures, also had shorter time to PWB, FWB, time to union, and follow-up. Statistically significant differences were seen in the following cases: ORIF-treated 43B closed fracture subgroup had shorter time to PWB and FWB (p<0.001 and p = 0.017, respectively), ORIF-treated 43C closed fractures had shorter time to union (p = 0.005). Common complications for open fractures were non-union (24%), post-traumatic arthritis (16%); for closed fractures they were post-traumatic arthritis (24%), superficial infection (21%). All occurred more frequently in FWF-treated patients.

CONCLUSION

Most ORIF-treated subgroups in either open or closed pilon fractures showed better primary and secondary outcomes than FWF-treated subgroups, yet few were statistically significant. Overall, our use of a two-staged approach involving temporary external fixation, followed with ORIF or FWF achieved low complication rates and good functional recovery.

Minimally Invasive Reduction and Fixation Techniques of Pilon Fractures Based on the Preoperative CT Findings

Tibial plafond fractures are often associated with significant articular cartilage and soft tissue damage. The presence of co-morbidities has been associated with an increased risk of surgical site complications. With improved in surgical techniques and implants, complication rates have declined; however, the overall prognosis often remains poor. The aims of this study were to evaluate the results of innovative minimally invasive reduction and fixation techniques in tibial plafond fractures based on a CT classification and to compare the difference between short and long-term outcomes. Based on preoperative CT findings, fractures were classified into varus, valgus, anterior, posterior, and neutral types. The minimally invasive reduction and fixation techniques depend on type of fracture, size and location of the intraarticular fragments, and degree of comminution of the extra-articular component. Ninety-one pilon fractures (90 patients) underwent minimally invasive reduction and fixation, of which 7 fractures (7.69%), required open reduction because of intraoperative failure to achieve anatomic reduction. Of the 84 fractures that underwent successful minimally invasive reduction and fixation reported, 35 fractures (41.7%) with excellent outcomes, 40 fractures (47.6%) with good outcomes, 6 fractures (7,1%) with fair outcomes, and 3 fractures (3.6%) had poor outcomes for the long-term American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score (follow-up ≥ 60 months). These results prove that minimally invasive treatment is an effective and durable treatment option for intra-articular pilon fractures. We encourage future clinical studies to further refine minimally invasive techniques for pilon fractures to improve outcomes.

Morbidities and prognostic factors after tibial pilon fracture: impact on patients

INTRODUCTION

This study aims primarily to characterize the sequelae and morbidity associated with tibial pilon injuries from the patients' perspectives in terms of multiple surgical interventions, duration of hospital stay, downtime from work, loss of productivity and impact on patients' lives. The secondary aim is to review the associated risk factors for these morbidities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients with surgically treated tibial pilon fractures from 1st July 2007 to 30th June 2017 were included. The morbidities reviewed focused on delay to surgery, numbers of surgeries, limb amputation, length of stay (LOS), readmissions, duration of medical leave (ML), follow-up and number of outpatient visits.

RESULTS

There were 102 patients included in the review and up to 70% of them had an average 7 days delay to definitive surgery. They also required an average hospital LOS of at least 2 weeks extending up to 3 more weeks if soft tissue reconstruction was necessitated. Up to a third of patients were readmitted with 15% of them needing further treatment. These patients required a notable period of downtime from work as shown in the long ML (mean 152.6 days [S.D. = 110.7]). Multiple conditional regression models showed AO/OTA classification (B and C) and open fracture as independent predictors of delay to surgery. Predictors for increased LOS were high velocity mechanism of injury at 4 days longer and patients who needed soft tissue reconstruction at 21 days longer. In terms of downtime from work, only work injury has been identified as an independent predictor of ML at 88.5 days longer.

CONCLUSION

Tibial pilon fractures leads to significant morbidities with profound negative impact on patients' lives in terms of multiple surgical interventions required, prolonged hospital stay, need for readmissions and prolonged downtime from work. These morbidities from patients' perspective should be emphasized to patients and employers to manage their expectations and potential limitations.

Risk of Surgical Site Infections in OTA/AO Type C Tibial Plateau and Tibial Plafond Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the current incidence of postoperative infection for OTA/AO type C fractures of the tibial plateau and tibial plafond.

DATA SOURCES

Three medical databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library, were used in our systematic literature search. Search results were restricted to articles transcribed in English/Spanish and publication date after January 1, 2000, to present day.

STUDY SELECTION

Inclusion criteria were studies reporting postoperative infection data for OTA/AO type 41C, 43C, or equivalent fractures of skeletally mature individuals. A minimum of 6 total fractures of interest and a frequency of 75% overall were required. Studies reporting on pathologic fractures, stress fractures, or low-energy fracture types were excluded.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two authors independently screened abstracts, evaluated full-text manuscripts, and extracted relevant data from included studies. Any instances of discrepancy were resolved within the study committee by consensus.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Outcomes were expressed using direct proportions (PR) with a 95% confidence interval. The effects of comorbidities on infection rates were reported using odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval. All analyses used a DerSimonian-Laird estimate with a random-effects model based on heterogeneity. The presence of publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with these specific fractures develop infections at a notable frequency. The rates of deep infections were approximately 6% in tibial plateau fractures and 9% in tibial plafond fractures. These results may be useful as a reference for patient counseling and other future studies aimed at minimizing postoperative infection for these injuries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

An Analysis of the Impact of Timing and Technique on Outcomes after Surgery for Distal Radius Fractures: The Wrist and Radius Injury Surgical Trial Collaborative Study

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment of closed distal radius fractures varies based on treatment, surgeon schedule, and patient preferences. The authors examined how timing and technique impact surgeon-perceived procedural difficulty and quality of reduction, outcomes, and complications.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of participants in the randomized, multicenter Wrist and Radius Injury Surgical Trial with isolated unstable distal radius fractures. Participants were randomized to treatment with a volar locking plate system, closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, or external fixation. The authors analyzed surgeon-perceived procedural difficulty and reduction quality based on time to operation.

RESULTS

Of 184 participants, 88 underwent surgery less than 7 days after fracture (mean, 4.6 days) and 96 underwent surgery at more than 7 days after fracture (mean, 12.3 days). Surgery performed at more than 7 days was rated more difficult versus surgery at less than 7 days [4.6 versus 3.8 of 10 (1 = easiest); p = 0.05]. When the volar locking plate technique was performed, there was no difference in surgeon-perceived difficulty or reduction quality between the groups; however, surgeons performing closed reduction and percutaneous pinning more than 7 days after injury reported greater procedure difficulty (4.1 versus 2.9; p = 0.05) and poorer reduction quality compared to less than 7 days (7.2 versus 8.1; p = 0.03). Participants who underwent surgery at less than 7 days scored 8 and 7 points greater on the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire Satisfaction (p = 0.05) and Activities of Daily Living (p = 0.03) domains, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery performed less than 7 days after fracture leads to better surgeon-perceived reduction quality and less procedural difficulty. If surgery cannot be performed before 7 days, the authors recommend patients undergo treatment with the volar locking plate system, given the comparable level of surgeon-perceived procedural difficulty and reduction quality when surgery was performed less than 7 days after injury.

CLINICAL QUERSTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, III.

Complications and Soft-Tissue Coverage After Complete Articular, Open Tibial Plafond Fractures

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the incidence of nonunion and wound complications after open, complete articular pilon fractures. Second, to study the effect that both timing of fixation and timing of flap coverage have on deep infection rates.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SETTING

Three Academic Level 1 Trauma Centers.

PATIENTS

One hundred sixty-one patients with open OTA/AO type 43C distal tibia fractures treated with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) between 2002 and 2018. The mean (SD) age was 46 (14) years, 70% male, with median (interquartile range) follow-up of 2.1 (1.3-5.0) years (minimum 1 year). There were 133 (83%) type 3A and 28 (17%) type 3B open fractures.

INTERVENTION

Fracture fixation: acute, primary (<24 hours) versus delayed, staged ORIF (>24 hours). Soft-tissue coverage: rotational or free flap.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT

Primary outcomes included deep infection and nonunion. Secondary outcomes included rates of soft-tissue coverage and reoperation.

RESULTS

Acute fixation (<24 hours) was performed in 36 (22%) patients; 125 (78%) underwent delayed, staged fixation. Deep infection occurred in 27% patients and was associated with men (33% vs. 16%, P = 0.029), smoking (38% vs. 23%, P = 0.047), and type 3B fractures (39% vs. 25%, P = 0.046). Acute fixation of type 3A fractures demonstrated a higher rate of infection (38% vs. 20% P = 0.036) than delayed, staged fixation. In type 3B fractures, early flap coverage (<1 week) demonstrated a lower rate of infection (18% vs. 53%, P = 0.066) and 20% (vs. 43%) with a single-staged "fix and flap" procedure (P = 0.408). Nonunion occurred in 36 (22%) and was associated with deep infection (43% vs. 15%, P < 0.001). Fifteen (42%) were septic nonunions. Twenty-nine of the 36 (81%) nonunions achieved radiographic union after median (interquartile range) 27 (20-41) weeks and median (range) 1 (1-3) revision ORIF procedures. There was no difference in the rate of secondary union between septic and aseptic nonunions (85% vs. 86%, P = 1.00). There was a high rate of secondary procedures (47%): revision ORIF (17%), irrigation and debridement (15%), and removal of implants (11%).

CONCLUSIONS

Complete articular, open pilon fractures are associated with a high rate of complications after ORIF. Early fixation carries a high risk of deep infection; however, early flap coverage for 3B fractures seems to play a protective role. We advocate for aggressive management including urgent surgical debridement and very early soft-tissue cover combined with definitive fixation during single procedure if possible.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Modern Principles in the Acute Surgical Management of Open Distal Tibial Fractures

Over the past two decades, management of open distal tibial fractures has evolved such that a staged approach, with external fixation and débridement during the index procedure, followed by definitive fixation and wound closure at a later date, is often considered the standard of care. Although definitive treatment of these complex injuries is often done by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons well versed in periarticular fracture repair and soft-tissue coverage in the distal extremity, the on-call orthopaedic surgeon doing the index procedure must understand the principles and rationale of the staged treatment algorithm to avoid compromising definitive treatment options and ensure the best possible patient outcome. The mechanism of injury, neurovascular status, size and location of soft-tissue injury, fracture pattern, and concomitant injuries in the polytraumatized patient should direct the treatment plan and anticipated outcomes. This review focuses on evaluation and management of these complex injuries with an emphasis on early aggressive débridement, principles of initial fracture fixation, and modern options for soft-tissue coverage, including local and free tissue transfer.

Influence of Timing on Surgical Outcomes for Acute Humeral Shaft Fractures

Surgical treatment for humeral shaft fractures has been reported to yield satisfactory results; however, there may be complications, such as delayed bone union, nonunion, iatrogenic radial nerve injury, and infection. The risk factors for postoperative complications remain largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the influence of timing of surgery on the incidence of postoperative complications of acute humeral shaft fractures. We retrospectively reviewed 43 patients who underwent osteosynthesis for acute humeral shaft fractures between 2006 and 2020. The patients were divided into early (21 patients) and delayed (22 patients) treatment groups based on the timing of the surgical intervention (within or after four days). Outcomes were the incidences of complications (delayed union, nonunion, iatrogenic radial nerve injury, and infection) and postoperative fracture gaps. We evaluated the outcomes using plain radiographs and clinical notes. In addition, we performed subgroup analyses on outcomes in a subgroup of patients who underwent intramedullary nailing and one who underwent plate fixation. The frequency of delayed union was significantly higher in the delayed group (P=0.046), and the postoperative fracture gap size was also significantly greater in the delayed group (P=0.007). The subgroup analyses demonstrated a significant association between the increased incidence of delayed union and delayed surgical interventions only in the intramedullary nailing subgroup (P=0.017). This study suggests that performing surgery within four days after acute humeral shaft fracture is recommended to reduce the occurrence of delayed union, particularly in cases requiring intramedullary nailing fixation.

Judicious Use of Early Fixation of Closed, Complete Articular Pilon Fractures Is Not Associated With an Increased Risk of Deep Infection or Wound Complications

OBJECTIVES

To compare the deep infection rates after immediate versus staged open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for pilon fractures.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Three academic Level I trauma centers.

PATIENTS

Four hundred one patients with closed OTA/AO type 43C distal tibia fractures treated with ORIF. Sixty-six percent were men, and the mean age was 45.6 years. The median (interquartile range) follow-up was 1.7 (1.0-3.7) years.

INTERVENTION

Acute, primary (<24 hours) versus delayed, staged ORIF (>24 hours).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT

Deep infection or wound complication as defined by return to operating room for surgical irrigation and debridement.

RESULTS

Patients were grouped by time from presentation to surgery: acute ORIF (n = 99) and delayed ORIF (n = 302). Acute ORIF was more frequent in patients with OTA/AO type 43C1 fractures, low-energy mechanisms (ie, fall from standing), younger and female patients. Patients who demonstrated severe swelling (242, 80%), swelling and fracture blisters (26, 9%), swelling and ecchymosis precluding planned surgical approach (4, 1%), polytrauma requiring resuscitation (20, 6%), who were transferred from an outside facility with external fixator in place (6, 2%), who had evolving compartment syndrome (2, 1%), and who required medical clearance (2, 1%) underwent staged, delayed fixation. There were significantly more 43C1 fractures in the acute fixation group (31% vs. 7%, P < 0.001) and significantly more 43C3 fractures in the delayed group (63% vs. 37%, P < 0.001). The overall deep infection rate was 17%. Early surgery was not associated with an increased risk of postoperative wound complication (early 12% vs. delayed 18%, P = 0.235). Multivariate analysis adjusted for timing of surgery found high-energy trauma [odds ratio (OR) 4.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-13.8], smoking (OR 2.4, CI 1.3-4.6), male sex (OR 2.1, CI 1.0-4.1), and increasing age (OR 1.02, CI 1.00-1.04, P = 0.040) to be independent predictors of deep infection. Diabetes demonstrated a nonstatistically significant increased risk (OR 2.6, 95% CI 0.9-7.3, P = 0.063).

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the high risk of infection after the fixation of tibial plafond fractures. If early definitive fixation is considered, extreme care should be taken to carefully evaluate the soft tissue envelope and assess for other risk factors (such as age, male sex, smokers, diabetics, and those with higher-energy fracture patterns) that may predispose the patient to a postoperative soft tissue infection. Our study has shown that the judicious use of early definitive fixation in closed pilon fractures, in the appropriate patient, and with careful evaluation of the soft tissue envelope, is likely safe and does not seem to increase the risk of wound complications and deep infection in the hands of experienced fracture surgeons.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Perspective on optical imaging for functional assessment in musculoskeletal extremity trauma surgery

SIGNIFICANCE

Extremity injury represents the leading cause of trauma hospitalizations among adults under the age of 65 years, and long-term impairments are often substantial. Restoring function depends, in large part, on bone and soft tissue healing. Thus, decisions around treatment strategy are based on assessment of the healing potential of injured bone and/or soft tissue. However, at the present, this assessment is based on subjective clinical clues and/or cadaveric studies without any objective measure. Optical imaging is an ideal method to solve several of these issues.

AIM

The aim is to highlight the current challenges in assessing bone and tissue perfusion/viability and the potentially high impact applications for optical imaging in orthopaedic surgery.

APPROACH

The prospective will review the current challenges faced by the orthopaedic surgeon and briefly discuss optical imaging tools that have been published. With this in mind, it will suggest key research areas that could be evolved to help make surgical assessments more objective and quantitative.

RESULTS

Orthopaedic surgical procedures should benefit from incorporation of methods to measure functional blood perfusion or tissue metabolism. The types of measurements though can vary in the depth of tissue sampled, with some being quite superficial and others sensing several millimeters into the tissue. Most of these intrasurgical imaging tools represent an ideal way to improve surgical treatment of orthopaedic injuries due to their inherent point-of-care use and their compatibility with real-time management.

CONCLUSION

While there are several optical measurements to directly measure bone function, the choice of tools can determine also the signal strength and depth of sampling. For orthopaedic surgery, real-time data regarding bone and tissue perfusion should lead to more effective patient-specific management of common orthopaedic conditions, requiring deeper penetrance commonly seen with indocyanine green imaging. This will lower morbidity and result in decreased variability associated with how these conditions are managed.

Post COVID-19: Planning strategies to resume orthopaedic surgery -challenges and considerations

The Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a substantial effect on the health care systems around the world. As the disease has spread, many developed and developing countries have been stretched on their resources such as personnel as well as adequate equipment. As a result of resource disparity, in a populous country like India, the elective orthopaedic surgeries stand cancelled whilst trauma and emergency services have been reorganised following Indian Orthopaedic Association and recent urgent British Orthopaedic association guidelines. Though these guidelines provide strategies to deal with trauma and orthopaedic surgery management in the present scenario, once the COVID-19 pandemic stabilizes, restarting elective orthopaedic surgery and managing delayed trauma conditions in evolving health care systems is going to be a profound task. We look at the future challenges and considerations of re-establishing trauma and orthopaedic flow during the post-COVID-19 phase and suggest an algorithm to follow (Fig. 1).

Treatment of distal clavicle fractures using a Scorpion plate and influence of timing on surgical outcomes: a retrospective cohort study of 105 cases

Background

Plate fixation is an established method for treating unstable distal clavicle fractures. However, the appropriate timing of surgery for acute distal clavicle fractures remains unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of osteosynthesis using a Scorpion plate and to assess the influence of surgery timing on the surgical outcomes for acute unstable distal clavicle fractures.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 105 patients who underwent fixation for acute unstable distal clavicle fractures (Neer type II and V) using the Scorpion plate between 2008 and 2018. Patients were divided into early (45 patients) and delayed (60 patients) treatment groups based on the timing of the surgical intervention (within or after 7 days). The outcomes were postoperative complications (nonunion, peri-implant fracture, plate loosening, plate-related pain, and stiffness). We evaluated the outcomes from X-ray radiographs and clinical notes.

Results

Among the 105 patients, nonunion, plate loosening, plate-related pain, and stiffness were observed in six patients (5.7%), four patients (3.8%), seven patients (6.7%), and one patient (1.0%), respectively. The nonunion rate was significantly higher in the delayed treatment group than that in the early treatment group (P = 0.036). Although the difference was not significant, plate loosening and stiffness were only observed in the delayed treatment group.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that osteosynthesis using Scorpion plates achieved satisfactory surgical outcomes for unstable distal clavicle fractures. In addition, this study suggested that performing surgery within 6 days after injury is recommended to reduce postoperative complications.

Early clinical and radiographic outcomes of a mini-fragment, low profile plating system in tibial plafond fractures

OBJECTIVE

The Smith and Nephew mini-EVOS plating system is a mini-fragment, low profile, variable-angled plating system designed to obtain anatomic reduction while also minimizing soft tissue handling. However, literature has been limited in reporting the clinical and surgical outcomes of these specific plates. The goal of our study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Smith and Nephew mini-EVOS plate in pilon fracture management, where significant high energy forces can result in severe fracture patterns and soft tissue injury.

METHODS

Patients 18-65 years of age who underwent plate fixation of their tibial plafond fractures (OTA/AO) using the Smith and Nephew mini-EVOS plating system at our urban university-based level-1 trauma center were included in this retrospective investigation. A total of 37 patients (37 fractures) from January 2015 to March 2018 were included in this study. Primary outcome measure was mechanical hardware failure. Secondary outcome measures included nonunion, malunion, medical and surgical complications.

RESULTS

The fractures were classified according to the OTA/AO classification as 43C1 (n = 15), 42C2 (n = 6), and 43C3 (n = 16). A mechanical failure was observed in three patients (8.1%). Six additional patients needed a re-operation of the surgical site including two nonunion repairs, one malunion repair, one symptomatic hardware removal, and two soft tissue debridements. The mean follow-up was 298.9 days (range: 96-936).

CONCLUSIONS

Early results of operative fixation of tibial plafond fractures using the Smith-Nephew mini-EVOS demonstrated low hardware failure and complication rates. This plating system is a safe and effective implant.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV.

Efficacy of Pie-Crusting Technique on Soft Tissues in Distal Tibia and Fibula Fractures

Distal tibia and fibula fractures are challenging injuries to treat as evidenced by the high rates of wound complications because of vulnerable soft tissue coverage. The aim of this study was to examine the effect on soft tissue complications of the pie-crusting technique when applied between 2 incisions in distal tibia and fibula fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation. We reviewed 34 patients with distal tibia and fibula fractures treated between September 2014 and March 2017. The pie-crusting technique was performed during wound closure in 16 (47.06%) fractures (group 1) and classic wound closure was done in 18 (52.94%) fractures (group 2). The primary outcome was evaluated as the presence or absence of soft tissue complications such as superficial skin necrosis, deep skin necrosis, and deep infection. The mean age was 50.44 ± 13.51 (range 23 to 65) years in group 1 and 51.67 ± 14.49 (range 18 to 68) years in group 2. The mean follow-up time was 27.35 ± 9.02 (range 16 to 46) months. The mean surgery time after injury was 5.88 ± 3.5 (range 1 to 14) days in group 1 and 7.32 ± 4.25 (range 1 to 16) days in group 2. No soft tissue complications were seen in any patient in group 1. Five (27.77%) occurrences of superficial skin necrosis were observed in group 2. In 2 (11.11%) patients in group 2, deep necrosis and wound dehiscence occurred, and subsequent deep infection developed in 1 (5.55%) of these patients. The overall complication rate was higher in group 2 (p = .005). We believe that the pie-crusting technique is beneficial for wound closure in distal tibia and fibula fractures, because it reduces the tension of the skin and allows leakage of subcutaneous fluids.

Correlation of Soft Tissue Swelling and Timing to Surgery With Acute Wound Complications for Operatively Treated Ankle and Other Lower Extremity Fractures

BACKGROUND

Considerable debate exists regarding how soft-tissue edema should influence timing of surgery for ankle and other lower extremity fractures. Assessment of swelling is subjective, and timing varies among surgeons. However, timing of surgery is one of the few modifiable factors in fracture care. Ultrasonography can objectively measure swelling and help determine optimal timing. The purposes of this study were to determine whether objective measures of swelling, timing to surgery, and patient-specific risk factors correlated with wound complications and to try to create a prediction model for postoperative wound complications based on identified modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors.

METHODS

Patients with closed ankle and other lower extremity fractures requiring surgery with an uninjured, contralateral extremity were included. Demographic information and sonographic measurements on both lower extremities were obtained pre-operatively. Subjects were followed for 3 months and wound complications were documented. A predictive algorithm of independent risk factors was constructed, determining wound complication risk. Given that patients with ankle fractures made up the majority of the study cohort (75/93 or 80%), a separate statistical analysis was performed on this group. A total of 93 subjects completed the study, with 75/93 sustaining ankle fractures.

RESULTS

Overall wound complication rate was 18.3%. Timing to surgery showed no correlation with wound complications. A heel-pad edema index >1.4 was independently associated with wound complications. Subgroup analysis of ankle fractures demonstrated a 3.4× increase in wound complications with a heel-pad edema index >1.4. Tobacco history and BMI >25 were independent predictors of wound complications. An algorithm was established based on heel-pad edema index, BMI >25, and tobacco history. Patients with none of the 3 factors had a 3% probability of a wound complication. Patients with 1/3, 2/3 and 3/3 factors had a 12-36%, 60-86% and 96% probability of a wound complication, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Timing to surgery had no correlation with wound complications. Heel-pad edema index >1.4, BMI >25, and tobacco-use correlated with wound complications. When separately analyzing the cohort that sustained ankle fractures, the heel-pad edema index of >1.4 was still demonstrated to be predictive of wound complications corresponding to a 3.4× increase in wound complication rates (11.1% vs 37.5%). Risk of wound complications significantly increased with each factor. In patients with increased BMI and/or tobacco use, resolution of heel edema may significantly reduce wound complications in lower extremity trauma.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, prognostic, prospective cohort study.

Evolution in Management of Tibial Pilon Fractures

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Tibial plafond, or pilon, fractures can be some of the most difficult fractures to manage. As they are often associated with high-energy trauma, both the soft tissue involvement and the comminuted fracture pattern pose challenges to fixation. Furthermore, the complex anatomy and trauma to the cartilage at the time of injury predispose pilon fractures to poor functional outcomes and high rates of posttraumatic arthritis. This review will discuss the recent developments in the treatment of tibial pilon fractures.

RECENT FINDINGS

Historically, surgical management of pilon fractures has been associated with high rates of complications, including wound complications, infections, nonunions, and even the need for amputation. In response, staged protocols were created. However, recent studies have called this into question, demonstrating low wound complications with early definitive fixation. Additional studies are evaluating adjuvants to minimize wound complications, including the use of vancomycin powder and oxygen supplementation, while another study challenges the 7-cm myth regarding the distance needed between skin incisions. Additional research has been focused on alternative methods of managing these complex, and sometimes non-reconstructable, injuries with the use of external fixation, minimally invasive internal fixation, and primary arthrodesis. Tibial pilon fractures remain difficult to treat for even the most skilled orthopedic trauma surgeons. With improvements in surgical techniques and implants, complication rates have declined and outcomes have improved; however, the overall prognosis for these injuries often remains poor.

Pilon Fracture: Preventing Complications

Fractures of the distal tibial plafond (ie, pilon) comprise a broad range of injury mechanisms, patient demographics, and soft-tissue and osseous lesions. Patients often present with considerably comminuted fracture patterns and notable soft-tissue compromise. Surgical intervention must be performed with respect for the exceedingly vulnerable soft-tissue envelope and with a properly executed technique. Even with proper timing, favorable host factors, and expert surgical technique, restoration of function and avoidance of complications are not always achievable. Recently validated techniques further diminish the risk of soft-tissue and osseous sepsis. These techniques include early (ie, "immediate") fixation, upgrading, primary arthrodesis, staged sequential posterior and anterior fixation, acute shortening, and transsyndesmotic fibular plating. Proper application of these recently adopted techniques may be instrumental in achieving aseptic union of pilon fractures.

Fractures of the tibial pilon treated by open reduction and internal fixation (locking compression plate-less invasive stabilising system): Complications and sequelae

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate variables that could be related to complications and sequelae in fractures of the tibial pilon treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with a locking compression plate-less invasive stabilising system (LCP-LISS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 137 fractures treated by ORIF in a 7-year period were analysed. The mean follow-up was 3.3 years. We analysed the following variables: age, sex, side, type of fracture, energy of the injury, use of provisional external fixation (EF), time until ORIF, stages of treatment (one or two), surgical approach, type of bone fixation, quality of reduction, use of bone graft, hardware removal, associated fractures (fibula and others), functional results (AOFAS scale), early complications (infection, skin necrosis) and late complications (nonunion, early post-traumatic ankle osteoarthritis [AOA]).

RESULTS

According to the AOFAS scale, 30.5% of the results were excellent, 46.7% good, 13.1% fair and 9.7% poor. The rate of infection was 8.7%, and the rate of skin necrosis requiring flap coverage was 15.2%. Furthermore, type 43C3 fractures of the AO classification had a higher rate of skin necrosis and flap coverage. The rate of nonunion was 16.3% (22 cases, 4 aseptic, 18 infected), and the use of a medial plate was related to a higher rate of nonunion than the use of a lateral plate. The rate of early post-traumatic AOA was 13.1%, and open fractures were related to a higher prevalence of nonunion and flap coverage. Both infection and a suboptimal anatomic reduction were related to a higher prevalence of fair and poor results. The anteromedial approach was associated with a higher prevalence of skin necrosis and early post-traumatic AOA than the anterolateral approach.

CONCLUSION

Optimal reduction and stable fixation is paramount to diminishing the rate of complications and sequelae after ORIF (LCP-LISS) of these fractures.

Omnidirectional Internal Fixation by Double Approaches for Treating Rüedi-Allgöwer Type III Pilon Fractures

In the present study, we explored the effectiveness and complications of omnidirectional internal fixation using a double approach for treating Rüedi-Allgöwer type III pilon fractures. A retrospective analysis was performed of 19 cases of Rüedi-Allgöwer type III unilateral closed pilon fracture. With preoperative preparation and correct surgical timing, the reduction was performed using anteromedial and posterolateral approaches, and the fracture fragments were fixed by omnidirectional internal fixation. Imaging evaluation was performed using the Burwell-Charnley scoring system. The Johner-Wruhs scoring system was used to assess the functional status of the patients. A comprehensive evaluation of efficacy was performed using a 5-point Likert score. The complications were also recorded and analyzed. All patients were followed up for an average of 16.2 months. The operative incisions of 15 cases healed by primary intent and with delayed healing in 4. All patients had achieved bony union at an average of 16 weeks postoperatively. No deep infection, broken nail or withdrawn nail, exposed plate, or skin flap necrosis occurred. The Burwell-Charnley imaging evaluation showed that 14 patients had anatomic reduction of the articular surface and 5 had acceptable reduction. Using the Johner-Wruhs scoring system, the results were excellent for 8, good for 7, fair for 2, and poor for 2 patients; the combined rate of excellent and good results was 78.9%. The Likert score of efficacy self-reported by the patients was 3 to 4 points for 12 patients, 2 points for 4 patients, and 0 to 1 point for 3 patients. The Likert score of therapeutic efficacy reported by the physicians was 3 to 4 points for 10 patients, 2 points for 5 patients, and 0 to 1 point for 4 patients. Omnidirectional internal fixation using double approaches was an effective method to treat Rüedi-Allgöwer type III pilon fractures with satisfactory reduction and rigid fixation, good joint function recovery, and few complications.

The Feasibility of 3D Printing Technology on the Treatment of Pilon Fracture and Its Effect on Doctor-Patient Communication

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the three-dimensional (3D) printing technology in the treatment of Pilon fractures.

Methods

100 patients with Pilon fractures from March 2013 to December 2016 were enrolled in our study. They were divided randomly into 3D printing group (n = 50) and conventional group (n = 50). The 3D models were used to simulate the surgery and carry out the surgery according to plan in 3D printing group. Operation time, blood loss, fluoroscopy times, fracture union time, and fracture reduction as well as functional outcomes including VAS and AOFAS score and complications were recorded. To examine the feasibility of this approach, we invited surgeons and patients to complete questionnaires.

Results

3D printing group showed significantly shorter operation time, less blood loss volume and fluoroscopy times, higher rate of anatomic reduction and rate of excellent and good outcome than conventional group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.040, and P = 0.029, resp.). However, no significant difference was observed in complications between the two groups (P = 0.510). Furthermore, the questionnaire suggested that both surgeons and patients got high scores of overall satisfaction with the use of 3D printing models.

Conclusion

Our study indicated that the use of 3D printing technology to treat Pilon fractures in clinical practice is feasible.

Clinical application of arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive therapy in Chinese elderly with type III Pilon fracture

Objective

Pilon fracture is so complex that its therapy poses a great challenge to surgeons. Few studies have compared arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive therapy and external fixation combined with limited internal fixation (EFLIF), and an optimal choice of surgical therapy remains unclear in patients with type III Pilon fracture. Moreover, to our knowledge, very few studies have specifically evaluated arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive therapy in Chinese elderly with type III Pilon fracture. The current study was performed to observe the clinical application of arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive therapy, compared with EFLIF, in Chinese elderly with type III Pilon fracture.

Methods

There were 230 Chinese elderly with type III Pilon fracture assigned to undergo EFLIF (group A, n=115) or arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive therapy (group B, n=115), and followed up for 1 year after surgery.

Results

Age, sex, causes, sides and types of Pilon fractures were not different between the two groups (P>0.05 for all). Compared with EFLIF, arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive therapy achieved a better reduction result, bone union and Mazur system (P<0.05 for all). Patient satisfaction, screw loosening and infection prevalence were not different between the two groups (P>0.05 for all). There was no skin necrosis in the two groups. Traumatic arthritis had a significantly lower prevalence in participants with arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive therapy than EFLIF (P<0.05 for all).

Conclusion

Compared with EFLIF, arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive therapy for type III Pilon fracture significantly improved reduction result, bone union and functional status, and decreased traumatic arthritis, demonstrating that arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive therapy is an optimal choice for type III Pilon fracture in Chinese elderly.

Management of Distal Tibial Metaphyseal Bone Defects With an Intramedullary Nitinol Scaffold: A Novel Technique

Difficult problems that are faced when reconstructing severe pilon fractures include filling metaphyseal defects and supporting an impacted, multifragmented articular surface. Supplements to plate fixation currently available in a surgeon's armamentarium include cancellous bone autograft, structural bone allograft, demineralized bone matrix, and calcium-based cements. Cancellous autograft possesses limited inherent mechanical stability and is associated with graft site morbidity. Structural allografts incorporate inconsistently and are plagued by late resorption. Demineralized bone matrix also lacks inherent structural stability. Calcium phosphate cements are not rigidly fixed to bone unless fixation is applied from cortical bone or through a plate, which must be taken into consideration when planning fixation. The Conventus DRS (Conventus Orthopaedics, Maple Grove, MN) implant is an expandable nitinol scaffold that takes advantage of the elasticity and shape memory of nitinol alloy. Once deployed and locked, it serves as a stable intramedullary base for fragment-specific periarticular fracture fixation, even in the face of metaphyseal bone loss. Two cases of successful implant use are presented. In both cases, the implant is used to fill a metaphyseal void and provide stable articular support to the distal tibial plafond.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level V: Case Report, Expert Opinion.

[Treatment strategy and planning for pilon fractures]

BACKGROUND

Pilon fractures are mainly severe and prognostically serious injuries with a high rate of relevant soft tissue involvement. The adequate decision making and choice of treatment in the early phase of trauma are of paramount importance for the final outcome. This essentially encompasses the management of the soft tissue damage, the surgical planning and the differentiated selection of procedures.

GOALS/MATERIAL AND METHODS

Most concepts of staged treatment nowadays offer a wide range of options which are integrated into expert-based algorithms. The aim of the present analysis was to display the strategy variations for the treatment of pilon fractures taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of the corresponding treatment concepts.

RESULTS

A staged procedure including primary closed reduction employing ligamentotaxis and fixation of the joints of the hindfoot via tibiocalcaneal metatarsal fixation offers a safe basis for consecutive imaging and the selection of specific approaches for definitive reconstruction. A simultaneous reconstruction and fixation of the fibula during the primary intervention are generally not recommended in order to avoid any limitations for subsequent reconstructive procedures. A time frame for definitive reconstruction covers a period of up to 3 weeks after trauma and allows a detailed planning considering the individual dynamics of the soft tissue situation and any logistic requirements. For the choice of the definitive treatment concept a wide range of procedures and implants are available. There are also valid concepts for primary treatment of defined fracture constellations while primary arthrodesis represents a solution in cases of major destruction of the joint surface.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Knowledge of the multiple procedural variations for pilon fracture treatment creates the basis to optimize the treatment modalities and to take into account individual parameters of the fracture.

Clinical efficacy and safety of limited internal fixation combined with external fixation for Pilon fracture: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To compare the clinical efficacy and complications of limited internal fixation combined with external fixation (LIFEF) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in the treatment of Pilon fracture.

METHODS

We searched databases including Pubmed, Embase, Web of science, Cochrane Library and China Biology Medicine disc for the studies comparing clinical efficacy and complications of LIFEF and ORIF in the treatment of Pilon fracture. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by the rate of nonunion, malunion/delayed union and the excellent/good rate assessed by Mazur ankle score. The complications including infections and arthritis symptoms after surgery were also investigated.

RESULTS

Nine trials including 498 pilon fractures of 494 patients were identified. The meta-analysis found no significant differences in nonunion rate (RR = 1.60, 95% CI: 0.66 to 3.86, p = 0.30), and the excellent/good rate (RR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.86 to 1.04, p = 0.28) between LIFEF group and ORIF group. For assessment of infections, there were significant differences in the rate of deep infection (RR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.34 to 3.55, p = 0.002), and the rate of arthritis (RR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.53, p = 0.02) between LIFEF group and ORIF group.

CONCLUSION

LIFEF has similar effect as ORIF in the treatment of pilon fractures, however, LIFEF group has significantly higher risk of complications than ORIF group does. So LIFEF is not recommended in the treatment of pilon fracture.

Analysis of the variables affecting outcome in fractures of the tibial pilon treated by open reduction and internal fixation

OBJECTIVE

To assess variables that could be related to outcomes in fractures of the tibial pilon treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

DESIGN

Retrospective.

SETTING

University Hospital.

PATIENTS

A total 92 fractures of the tibial pilon treated by ORIF in a 5-year period. The minimum follow-up was 1 year (mean: 3.3 years; range: 1-5).

INTERVENTION

ORIF with LCP-LISS plate.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Age, sex, side, type of fracture, energy of the injury, provisional external fixation (EF), time until ORIF, stages of treatment (one or two), surgical approach, type of bone fixation, quality of reduction, bone graft, hardware removal, associated fractures (fibula and others), functional results (AOFAS scale), rates of infection, skin necrosis, flap coverage, non-union, and early posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis (AOA).

RESULTS

According to AOFAS scale 30.5% of results were excellent, 46.7% good, 13.1% fair and 9.7% poor. Overall, the rate of infection was 13.04%, The rate of non-union was 10.86%. The rate of skin necrosis was 7.6% and the rate of flap coverage was 13.04%. The rate of early posttraumatic AOA was 13.04%. Type 43C3 fractures of the AO classification had a higher rate of skin necrosis and flap coverage. Open fractures were related to a higher prevalence of nonunion and flap coverage. The use of a bone graft was associated with a higher rate of nonunion and poor results. Infection was related to a higher prevalence of fair and poor results. EF was associated with a higher need for flap coverage. A suboptimal anatomic reduction was related to a higher rate of fair and poor results. The anteromedial approach was associated with a higher prevalence of skin necrosis and early posttraumatic AOA than the anterolateral approach. The use of an medial plate was related to a higher rate of nonunion than the use of a lateral plate.

CONCLUSIONS

The anteromedial approach was associated with a higher rate of skin necrosis and posttraumatic AOA than the anterolateral approach. Medial plating had a higher prevalence of nonunion than lateral plating.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV (case series).

Type C tibial pilon fractures

Aims

The aim of this study was to report the outcome following primary fixation or a staged protocol for type C fractures of the tibial plafond.

Patients and Methods

We studied all patients who sustained a complex intra-articular fracture (AO type C) of the distal tibia over an 11-year period. The primary short-term outcome was infection. The primary long-term outcome was the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS).

Results

There were 102 type C pilon fractures in 99 patients, whose mean age was 42 years (16 to 86) and 77 were male. Primary open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) was performed in 73 patients (71.6%), whilst 20 (19.6%) underwent primary external fixation with delayed ORIF. There were 18 wound infections (17.6%). A total of nine (8.8%) were deep and nine were superficial. Infection was associated with comorbidities (p = 0.008), open fractures (p = 0.008) and primary external fixation with delayed ORIF (p = 0.023). At a mean of six years (0.3 to 13; n = 53) after the injury, the mean FAOS was 76.2 (0 to 100) and 72% of patients were satisfied.

Conclusion

This is currently the largest series reporting the outcome following fixation of complex AO type C tibial pilon fractures. Despite the severity of these injuries, we have demonstrated that a satisfactory outcome can be achieved in the appropriate patients using primary ORIF. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1106–11.

Comparison of outcome of tibial plafond fractures managed by hybrid external fixation versus two-stage management with final plate fixation

BACKGROUND

Tibial platfond fractures are usually associated with massive swelling of the foot and ankle, as well as with open wounds. This swelling may cause significant decrease of the blood flow, so the state of the soft tissue is determinant for the surgical indication and the type of implant. This retrospective study compares the union times in cases of tibial plafond fractures managed with a hybrid external fixation as a definitive procedure versus those managed with a two stage strategy with final plate fixation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study in a polytrauma referral hospital was performed between 2005 and 2011. Patients with a tibial plafond fracture, managed with a hybrid external fixation as a definitive procedure or managed with a two stage strategy with the final plate fixation were included in the study. Postoperative radiographs were evaluated by two senior surgeons. Fracture healing was defined as callus bridging of one cortex, seen on both lateral and anteroposterior X-ray. The clinical outcome was evaluated by means of 11 points Numerical Rating Scale for pain and The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle score, assessed at the last followup visit. Thirteen patients had been managed with a hybrid external fixation and 18 with a two-stage strategy with the final plate fixation. There were 14 males and 17 females with a mean age of 48 years (range 19-82 years). The mean followup was 24 months (range 24-70 months).

RESULTS

The mean time from surgery to weight bearing was 7 ± 6.36 days for the hybrid fixation group and 57.43 ± 15.46 days for the plate fixation group (P < 0.0001); and the mean time from fracture to radiological union was 133.82 ± 37.83) and 152.8 ± 72.33 days respectively (P = 0.560).

CONCLUSION

Besides the differences between groups regarding the baseline characteristics of patients, the results of this study suggest that in cases of tibial plafond fractures, the management with a hybrid external fixation as a definitive procedure might involve a faster union than a two-stage management with final plate fixation.

External Fixation combined with Limited Internal Fixation versus Open Reduction Internal Fixation for Treating Ruedi-Allgower Type III Pilon Fractures

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).

Material/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.