J Korean Fract Soc.  2021 Jul;34(3):97-104. 10.12671/jkfs.2021.34.3.97.

Comparison of the Results between Plating and Intramedullary Nailing for Ipsilateral Fibular Fractures in Pilon Fractures

• Cho YJ
• Lee JY
• Lim JH
• Ryu JH
• Lee JH

• KMID: 2518604
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2021.34.3.97

Abstract

Purpose
To compare the results between plating and intramedullary nailing for ipsilateral fibular fractures in pilon fractures.
Materials and Methods
Among 124 patients with pilon fractures from November 2008 to March 2019, 50 patients with a fibular fracture were studied retrospectively and divided into two groups: Group A using a plate and Group B using a Rush pin. The radiological tests confirmed the fracture pat-terns (Rüedi–Allgöwer classification, AO/OTA classification) and evaluated the degree of reduction of fibular and tibial fractures after surgery. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) was examined for a clinical evaluation, and the complications were checked.
Results
The two groups showed similar distributions in gender, age, injury mechanism, diabetes, smoking, mean follow-up period, Rüedi–Allgöwer classification, AO/OTA classification, and open fracture. The fibular fractures were classified as simple, wedge, multiple, and segmental, showing significant differences between the two groups (p=0.03). There was no difference in the Talocrural angle, Shenton line, and Dime sign. In the reduction of pilon fractures, the appropriate reduction was obtained in 22 cases (88.0%) for both groups. The AOFAS averaged 83.24 in Group A and 80.44 points in Group B, showing no significant difference in complications (nonunion, malunion, infection, and arthritis).
Conclusion
Regardless of how the fibular fracture was fixed, the reduction of pilon fractures in both groups showed good results. Both intramedullary nail and plate fixation could be a suitable fixation method for ipsilateral fibular fractures with a low risk of shortening in pilon fractures.

Keyword

Pilon fracture; Fibular fracture; Intramedullary nail