Abstract
Background:
The aim of this study was to review the surgical complications and clinical outcomes of patients with Pilon fractures treated with Ilizarov frames.
Methods:
Data collected included surgical complications, grade of initial injury using the Ruedi-Allgower classification and quality of reduction according to the Teeny and Wiss criteria. Outcome scores were collected retrospectively using the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI).
Results:
A total of 97 consecutive patients were identified. All patients were treated with indirect reduction by capsuloligamentotaxis and stabilisation using an ankle-spanning Ilizarov external fixator. The mean time to union was 6 months. Data was available for 70 patients. 35 patients developed a pin site infection. There were no cases of osteomyelitis. 4 patients developed a DVT and 1 patient a PE, 4 patients required ankle fusions. Quality of reduction according to the criteria of Teeny and Wiss was anatomic in 40 patients, good in 23 patients, fair in 6 patients, poor in 3 patients.
Conclusion:
This is one of the larger series of Pilon factures on literature review. Ilizarov frame fixation achieves stable reduction of the fractured fragments without additional trauma to soft tissues with minimal complications and good functional results.
