The treatment of pilon fractures with a single medial locking plate and lag screwsbased on computer-assisted pre-opera-tion plan

Abstract

Objective evaluate the efficacy of a single medial locking plate and lag screws based on computer-assisted pre-operation plan (CAPP) for the treatment of pilon fractures. Methods Between 2013 and 2016, data of 27 patients with pilon fractures who were treated using a single medial locking and lag screws based on CAPP were retrospectively analyzed. All the cas-es were AO/OTA 43-C type pilon fractures. According to the Ruedi-Allgower classification, there were 5 cases of type Ⅱ and 22 cases of type Ⅲ. Among 27 patients, 19 patients had fibula fracture. CAPP was performed for all fractures, including simulated re-duction, virtual surgery, and implantation of internal fixation. The time of CAPP, intraoperative realization of preoperative plan, op-eration time, intraoperative blood loss, and pre- and post-operative range of motion of ankle were recorded. Functional outcomes at final follow up were assessed using American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle hindfoot scale, visual analogue scale (VAS). Results The mean time of CAPP was 25.8 minutes (range, 14-30 minutes). The average operating time was 138.5 minutes. The average intraoperative blood loss was 225.9 ml. All the twenty-seven patients were followed up for an average period of 18.6 months. The average AOFAS score, VAS score at the final follow-up was 82.9, 2.7 points respectively, which was signifi-cantly improved compared with those before operation (t=-19.358, 7.720; all P< 0.001). Conclusion CAPP system is convenient and efficient, which can facilitate the treatment of type C pilon fractures with a single medial locking plate and lag screws. In addi-tion, satisfactory clinical outcomes can be obtained. Key words: Tibial fractures; Fracture fixation, internal; Internal fixators; Computer-aided design; Imaging, three-dimen-sional