Pilon fracture

Pilon Fracture
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Severe pain, swelling, inability to bear weight
Complications	Arthritis, Infection, Nonunion
Onset	Sudden, due to trauma
Duration	Varies, often weeks to months
Types	N/A
Causes	High-energy impact, such as car accidents or falls
Risks	Osteoporosis, high-impact sports
Diagnosis	X-ray, CT scan
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Surgery, Physical therapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Depends on severity and treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

A Pilon fracture is a type of fracture that occurs at the distal end of the tibia, involving the ankle joint. It is often the result of high-energy trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident or a fall from a significant height.

Signs and Symptoms

Patients with a Pilon fracture typically present with severe pain, swelling, and an inability to bear weight on the affected limb. The ankle may appear deformed, and there may be visible bruising or lacerations if the fracture is open.

Causes

Pilon fractures are usually caused by high-energy impacts. Common scenarios include car accidents, falls from heights, or sports injuries. The force of the impact drives the talus bone into the tibia, causing the fracture.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a Pilon fracture is typically made using imaging studies. An X-ray is the first step, which can reveal the extent of the fracture. A CT scan may be used to provide more detailed images of the fracture pattern and to assist in surgical planning.

Treatment

Treatment of Pilon fractures often requires surgical intervention. The goals of surgery are to realign the bone fragments, restore the normal anatomy of the ankle joint, and stabilize the fracture with plates and screws.

Post-surgery, patients may need physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the ankle. The recovery process can be lengthy, and full recovery may take several months.

Complications

Complications of Pilon fractures can include arthritis due to joint surface damage, infection if the fracture is open, and nonunion or malunion of the fracture. Long-term outcomes depend on the severity of the fracture and the success of the treatment.

See Also

• Fracture
• Orthopedic surgery
• Ankle injuries

External Links

• [Orthopedic Trauma Association](https://ota.org)
• [American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons](https://www.aaos.org)