Pilon fractures: Consensus and controversy

OTA Int. 2023 Jun 16;6(3 Suppl):e236. doi: 10.1097/OI9.0000000000000236. eCollection 2023 Jun.

Abstract

Pilon fractures are complex injuries that require an individualized approach to treatment to avoid complications and achieve good outcomes. Staged open reduction internal fixation remains the gold standard for most cases to achieve anatomic articular reduction while minimizing soft tissue complications and infection. Careful preoperative planning based on computed tomography dictates the surgical approach for reduction. A subset of cases may be amenable to early definitive or provisional open reduction and internal fixation based on fracture pattern. In some cases of severe articular comminution where reconstruction is not possible, primary ankle arthrodesis may be a good alternative.

Keywords: ankle fracture; pilon fracture; tibial plafond.