An update on the management of high-energy pilon fractures
- Resource Type
- Authors
- Andrew Marcantonio; Ivan S. Tarkin; Hans-Christoph Pape; Michael P. Clare
- Source
- Injury. 39:142-154
- Subject
- High energy
medicine.medical_specialty
Soft Tissue Injuries
Vacuum
Bone Nails
Severity of Illness Index
Pilon fracture
Wound care
Blister
Fracture Fixation
Osteoarthritis
Severity of illness
Fracture fixation
Bone plate
medicine
Humans
Surgical Wound Infection
Ankle Injuries
Intensive care medicine
General Environmental Science
Wound Healing
Vacuum assisted closure
business.industry
Accidents, Traffic
medicine.disease
Surgery
Radiography
Tibial Fractures
Treatment Outcome
Orthopedic surgery
General Earth and Planetary Sciences
business
Bone Plates
- Language
- ISSN
- 0020-1383
High energy pilon fractures present a unique challenge to the patient and orthopaedic surgeon. Care for the soft tissue envelope is as important as management of this articular fracture. This article reviews the fundamental principles for treatment of the patient with severe pilon fracture. Staged operative care is emphasised to prevent wound and infectious complications which have historically plagued pilon fracture surgery. New innovations directed at improving results are discussed including biological planting and wound care using the vacuum assisted closure device. Lastly, validated outcomes are presented which highlight the severity of these injuries despite optimal care.