Factors affecting the results of tibial pilon fractures treated with open reduction internal fixation

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the short and medium term functional results of tibial pilon fractures treated in our clinic with the open reduction and internal fixation method and to investigate the factors affecting such results. 41 patients who were treated in our clinic between 1995 and 2009 with open reduction and internal fixation were included in this study. Looking at the postoperative radiographs, quality of reduction was evaluated as per the criteria of Ovadia and Beals. Functional results of the patients were assessed in line with the criteria of Teeny and Wiss. With the evaluation of postoperative radiographs, 17 (41.5%) excellent and good, 21 (51.2%) fair and 3 (7.3%) poor results were obtained. Functionally speaking, 26 patients (63.5%) displayed excellent and good, 8 displayed (19.5%) fair and 7 displayed (17%) poor results. It was found out that age, sex, the time spent before the operation, the period of immobilization following the operation and the presence of an accompanying fracture did not have a significant impact on the functional results. It was revealed that the type of fracture affects functional results. A positive correlation was found between the quality of reduction and the functional results. In the light of the findings of this study, it was concluded that in tibial pilon fractures treated with the internal fixation method, the type of fracture and the quality of reduction are important in identifying the short and medium term prognosis.