Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of the treatment of AO/OTA type C pilon fracture via the anterolateral approach using a low-profile plate combined with medial minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO).
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 28 ankles with AO/OTA type C pilon fractures that were treated using the anterolateral approach combined with medial MIPO. Mean age was 46 years (range, 19 to 75), and the mean follow-up period was 25 months (range, 14 to 50). Clinical results were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. Range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint was measured, and postoperative complications were investigated via chart review.
Results: The VAS and AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale were 2 and 89, respectively, at the last follow-up. Ankle ROM at the last follow-up was 13 degrees (range, 5 to 20) in dorsiflexion and 38 degrees (range, 35 to 40) in plantarflexion. All the fractures united without additional surgery. One patient (3.6%) had a deep infection at the fibular fracture site, and 1 patient (3.6%) had partial skin necrosis.
Conclusion: This combined technique for AO/OTA type C pilon fracture resulted in good ROM of the ankle joint with reasonable function with a fairly low wound complication rate. However, further research on defined indications with a comparison group from multiple centers is necessary to determine if this technique is better than alternative surgical approaches.
Level of evidence: Level IV, case series.
Keywords: anterolateral approach; approach; pilon fracture; tibia.