Treatment of AO/OTA Type C Pilon Fractures Through the Anterolateral Approach Combined With the Medial MIPO Technique.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of the treatment of AO/OTA type C pilon fracture via the anterolateral approach using a low-profile plate combined with medial minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 28 ankles with AO/OTA type C pilon fractures that were treated using the anterolateral approach combined with medial MIPO. Mean age was 46 years (range, 19 to 75), and the mean follow-up period was 25 months (range, 14 to 50). Clinical results were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. Range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint was measured, and postoperative complications were investigated via chart review.

RESULTS

The VAS and AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale were 2 and 89, respectively, at the last follow-up. Ankle ROM at the last follow-up was 13 degrees (range, 5 to 20) in dorsiflexion and 38 degrees (range, 35 to 40) in plantarflexion. All the fractures united without additional surgery. One patient (3.6%) had a deep infection at the fibular fracture site, and 1 patient (3.6%) had partial skin necrosis.

CONCLUSION

This combined technique for AO/OTA type C pilon fracture resulted in good ROM of the ankle joint with reasonable function with a fairly low wound complication rate. However, further research on defined indications with a comparison group from multiple centers is necessary to determine if this technique is better than alternative surgical approaches.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.