Advertisement for orthosearch.org.uk
Orthopaedic Proceedings Logo

Receive monthly Table of Contents alerts from Orthopaedic Proceedings

Comprehensive article alerts can be set up and managed through your account settings

View my account settings

Visit Orthopaedic Proceedings at:

Loading...

Loading...

Full Access

O2596 PATHOANATOMY OF THE DISTAL TIBIAL PILON FRACTURE



Abstract

Background: Tibial Pilon fractures pose a difþcult management problem. For logical fracture treatment, precise understanding of the 3-D anatomy is essential. Methods: We have studied a consecutive series of 126 pilon fractures. Digitised Xrays and CT scans were analysed using a CAD programme. Results: We have deþned 6 main fragments, at the articular surface. The primary fracture line varied in orientation from coronal (93%) to sagittal (7%), in contrast to the classic description. Observation of the articular fracture patterns revealed ñTñ, ñVñ, ñYñ and pure split fractures with respect to the medial fragment. Fractures, which displace into varus, show a ÒTÒ conþguration, those in valgus a ÒYÒ or ÒVÒ conþguration, (p < 0.001). Fractures with no coronal mal-alignment produce a talo-þbular joint disruption. These different articular patterns require individual techniques for anatomic reduction and þxation.

Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.