Results of tibial pilon fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation

In this study our aim was to evaluate medium term results of tibial pilon fractures clinically that treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Between 2002 and 2012, 20 patients who had tibial pilon fractures that were operated in Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medical, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology were included in this study. 11 (55%) of the cases were men and 9 (45%) women. Mean age was 48 (18-85) years. Mean follow up period was 31 (20-48) months. Nine (45%) of the cases were open fractures (Gustillo-Anderson; 2 type I, 4 type II, 2 type IIIa, 1 type IIIc). There were 9 (45%) type I, 9 (45%) type II, 2 type III according to Rüedi Allgöwer classifications respectively. The patients were being eveluated via WEBER and AOFAS criterias in this study. But, the treatment results of the study was decreased in accordance with the literature. Because there were many old patients, open fractures and high energy trauma in our study. The patients, who had an existing open fractures, bone healing took more time than the other fractures and analysis of the study, there were seen a meaningful correlation. The patients group that we introduced gradual fixation developed less soft tissue complications compared to the other group. According to the statistical analysis; there was no significant difference between direct fixation and gradual fixation groups regarding soft tissue complications. This outcome can be explained by small sample size and also the 80% presence open fracture in patients developed complications.