Treatment of Displaced Pylon Fractures with Circular External Fixators of Ilizarov

Abstract

Twenty cases of pylon fractures were treated with Ilizarov circular external fixators using the technique of ligamentotaxis. Fourteen men and six women, ranging in age from 20 to 59 years, with open or closed distal tibial fractures were included in this study. The fractures were classified according to the AO system and distributed as seven C1, eight C2, and five C3 fractures. Independent from the type of fracture, six were grade II open according to the Gustilo-Anderson classification. For all fractures, an external fixator was constructed, after reduction by traction and olive wires. Mean follow-up was 29 months. All fractures healed by 14 weeks postreduction. The results were assessed using Weber's criteria: 5 (25%) had excellent results, 10 (50%) good, and 5 (25%) poor results. This technique lowers the rated complications of open reduction and internal fixation, and allows restoration of joint-surfaces, reconstruction of length, and alignment of the extremity while maintaining a sufficient range of motion at the joint. We concluded that use of the Ilizarov circular external fixator enables good results in selected ankle traumas when applied with good indications, planning, and surgical experience.