Treatment of pilon fractures with low profile plates

Abstract

Background: Treatments of pilon fracture is an important operative challenge due to high prevalence of post-operative complications. In this paper, we aimed to evaluate the complications of the use of low profile plates for pilon fractures. Methods: This clinical trial that was performed in 2017-2021 in Isfahan on 27 patients with pilon fractures. Demographic data of patients such as age, gender, type of pilon fracture and baseline pathology of pilon fractures were collected. Patients were treated using low profile plates under surgical procedures. Within 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after surgeries, patients were visited and assessed regarding superficial wound infections, deep wound infections, and evidence of osteomyelitis, vascular injuries, non-union and mal-union using both physical examinations and imaging studies via X-ray. We also measured the functions of cases using The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) questionnaire. Results: Most cases had 3 days (33.3) and 5 days (33.3) of hospitalization. Superficial wound infection was observed in 7 cases (26). Deep surgical site infections were observed in 2 cases (7.4) and we had only 1 case of osteomyelitis (3.7). No vascular injuries were observed in this study. Evaluation of union among patients showed that 2 cases (7.4) had non-union and 5 cases (18.5) had malunion in the anterior-posterior axis, but none of the patients had malunion in the coronal axis. Based on AOFAS questionnaire, the mean score in patients was 88.36 +/- 14.20. Conclusion: Treatments of pilon fractures by low profile plates have similar complications compared to other treatment options.