2. Historical perspective
The term “ Tibial Pilon “ was first used by DESTOT in
1911,likening the pilon to the pestle.
Pilon is french word for Pestle, an instrument used for
crushing or pounding.
3. Definition
All fractures of the tibia involving the distal articular surface should be
classified as pilon fractures ,
Exceptfor medial or lateral malleolar fractures and Trimalleolar fractures,
where the posterior malleolar fracture involves < 1/3 of the articular surface.
4. Anatomy
Tibial pilon = The distal end of the tibia including the articular surface.
Proximal limit of tibial pilon: 8-10 cm from the ankle articular
surface.
5. Epidemiology
Pilon fractures account for 7% -10% of all tibia fractures.
Most pilon fractures are a result of high-energy mechanisms.
Thus, concomitant injuries are common and should be ruled out.
Most common in 30-40 years of age .
6. Mechanism of injury
Fracture pattern is dictated by position of foot
and talus at time of impact:
Plantar flexion Injury: posterior lip
fragment.
Neutral ankle: anterior and posterior
fragments.
Dorsiflexion injury: anterior lip fragment.
11. Radiographic Evaluation
The 3 important anatomical zones to be
considered in the
decision-making and prognosis:
1. Articular surface
2. Metaphysis
3. Fibula
13. Classification
Rüedi & Allgöwer
• Type I: Nondisplaced cleavage fracture
of the ankle joint
• Type 2: Displaced fracture with minimal
Impaction or comminution
• Type 3: Displaced fracture with
significant articular comminution &
metaphyseal impaction
14. The 3 classic articular components of pilon
fracture (Axial CT):
1. Anterolateral Part of tibia (Chaput fragment)
2. Medial
3. Posterolateral Part of tibia (Volkmann fragment)
These fragments vary in their size and amount of comminution
15. GOALS OF TREATMENT:
1. To obtain an anatomical articular reduction
2. Restore axial alignment
3. Maintain joint stability
4. Achieve fracture union
5. Regain functional and pain-free weight bearing and motion
6. Avoiding infections and wound complications.
16. TREATMENT OPTIONS:
Cast immobilization
Calcaneal traction- Later cast immobilization
Ligamentotaxis with ex-fix
Limited fixation with 3-5-mm or 4-mm screws
Percutaneous or limited Open Reduction
Staged surgery - More recently, staged protocols have been advocated
17. Staged surgery
• First stage:
External fixator spanning the ankle joint, With or without plating fibula
• Second stage:
Soft tissue swelling had subsided --ORIF, reconstruction of the articular surface
Helfet (1994) was the first to propose TWO STAGE PRPTOCOL for this type of
fractures :
First stage: Temporary Extemal fixation, to restore length, alignment and rotation of the limb +
ORIF of a fibular fracture, if present, if the soft tissue allows.
Second stage: Definitive surgery, when the soft tissues have recovered sufficiently to limit the
likelihood of complications.
18. Operative GOALS :
Maintenance of fibula length and stability.
Restoration of tibial articular surface.
Bone grafting of metaphyseal defects.
Buttressing of the distal tibia.
19. Complications:
Skin Necrosis
Nonunion or Delayed union
Ankle joint stiffness
Infection- Osteomyelitis
Traumatic Arthritis