[Pilon fracture of the skier].

Comminuted intraarticular fractures of the distal end of the tibia have considerably increased. This is due to the modern manner and equipment of skiing. Skiing is the cause of these lesions in about 80%. According to the mechanism of the accident and to the localization of the damage of the bone there are special types of fracture. The diagnosis on the X-ray picture is easy. A great problem is the therapy as the joint is mostly considerably damaged. Today the operative reconstruction with the modern procedure of osteosynthesis accoriding to the principles of ASIF is generally accepted. Even if the operative therapy is optimal the late results are not satisfactory in a high number of cases. A chance for prophylaxis is only expected in the responsible behaviour of the skier.