Outcomes and complications of 76 operatively treated pilon fractures of the distal tibia

A. Lomax, A. Singh, N.J. Madeley, C.S. Kumar

¹ Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Introduction: In this cohort study, we present comprehensive injury specific and surgical outcome data from one of the largest reported series of distal tibial pilon fractures, treated in our tertiary referral centre.

Methods: A series of 76 pilon fractures were retrospectively reviewed from case notes, plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) imaging. Patient demographics, injury and fracture patterns, methods and timing of fixation and clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed over a mean follow up period of 8.6 months (range 2-30).

Results: Definitive fixation was most commonly performed through an open technique with plate fixation. CT imaging was used to plan the most direct approach to access the fracture fragments. The majority of cases were classified as AO/OTA 43.C3. When definitive open fixation for closed fracture was performed within 48 hours, the rate of deep infection or wound complication was 0%. When performed on day 3-5, the deep infection rate was 0% but the superficial wound complication rate was 23.5%. From day six onwards, the deep infection rate was 4% and the superficial wound complication rate was 8%. The rate of wound complications after double plate fixation of the tibia using two separate incisions was 23.1%, compared to 11.7% after single incision and plating. The rate of non-union was 9.7%. Symptomatic post-traumatic arthritis requiring orthopaedic management occurred in 9.9%. Further surgery was required in 27.8% of all patients.

Conclusion: Outcomes from our unit compare favourably with those from large trauma centres worldwide. Our study supports the use of early definitive fixation, within 48 hours, to achieve low rates of wound complications. We support an “unsafe window” for definitive fixation of three to five days post injury due to the high rate of wound complications. The likelihood of developing post-traumatic arthritis and of requiring further surgery is high.

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