Fractures of the tibial pilon

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Mast-JW; Spiege-PG; Pappas-JN Clin-Orthop. 1988 May(230): 68-82 Fractures of the tibial pilon are difficult to manage because of their severity. They are the product of high-energy compression forces and too frequently result in comminution and impaction of the weight-bearing surface of the distal tibia. Other fractures involving the roof of the ankle joint may be called "pilon fractures," but have a better prognosis because the compressive force is coupled with torsional forces. Operative reduction with the application of stable fixation in a clinically proven sequence of steps may lead to a satisfactory outcome in approximately three fourths of the cases, but must be accomplished with a sound understanding of the anatomy of the ankle joint and the principles of stable internal fixation by a surgeon with good atraumatic technique.