Posterior pilon fracture: Epidemiology and surgical technique

Abstract

ObjectivesTo review a case series of patients with posterior pilon variant fracture using a novel approach, focusing on demographic data, injury pattern, surgical results based on computed tomography (CT) scan, and short-term complications. DesignConsecutive case series. SettingLevel I trauma center. Patients/participantsTwenty-five patients with posterior pilon fracture. InterventionPosterior pilon fracture open reduction and internal fixation. Main Outcome MeasurementsParameters measured included age, sex, type of fracture, surgical technique, anatomical reduction, and complications. ResultsTwenty-five patients sustained a posterior pilon fracture, accounting for 13.4% of all operatively treated ankle fractures with median follow-up of 21.7 months. The average age of patients was 42 years (22–62); 19/25 (76%) were female, and 6/25 (24%) were male. A modified posteromedial approach was used in 18/25 (72%) patients. Persistent syndesmotic instability was present in 11/25 (44%) patients after posterior malleolar stabilization. Quality of reduction was assessed under CT scan in 19 patients, with 15/19 (78.9%) having anatomic reduction. We report 2/25 (8%) patients with early wound problems and 7/25 (20%) with short-term complications during follow-up. ConclusionPosterior pilon variant fracture appears to be less common than previously reported. Most fractures can be satisfactorily treated through a modified posteromedial approach. Albeit obtaining posterior malleolar fracture rigid fixation, syndesmotic instability was more prevalent than expected. The short-term complication rate was low. Level of EvidenceTherapeutic level IV.