What are the types of pilon fractures?

  • Type A: Distal tibial metaphyseal injuries without intra-articular extension. A1: Simple. A2: Comminuted. …
  • Type B: Partial articular fractures. B1: Pure split. B2: Split with depression. …
  • Type C: Fracture involves the entire joint surface. C1: Simple split in the articular surface and the metaphysis.

What is a Type 3 pilon fracture?

Type III: A type III pilon fracture happens when the bone has broken into more than two pieces (comminution) and the ends of the broken bones have driven into each other (impacted fracture). Approximately 25% to 71% of pilon fractures are type III fractures.

What is a pilon fracture?

A pilon fracture is a type of break that occurs at the bottom of the tibia (shinbone) and involves the weight-bearing surface of the ankle joint. With this type of injury, the other bone in the lower leg, the fibula, is frequently broken as well.

Is a pilon fracture intra-articular?

A tibial plafond fracture (also known as a pilon fracture) is a fracture of the distal end of the tibia, most commonly associated with comminution, intra-articular extension, and significant soft tissue injury.

Why is it called a march fracture?

March fractures (metatarsal stress fractures) were first described in 1855, when the term was coined for the foot pain and swelling experienced by Prussian soldiers on long marches.

Can a pilon fracture heal without surgery?

Some pilon fractures do not need surgical treatment. These are typically lower-energy injuries to the tibia and fibula at the ankle joint. The bones are broken but simply shifted out of place and these injuries tend to be less severe. These lower-energy pilon fractures can be treated with a leg cast.

How serious is a pilon fracture?

Pilon fractures are among the most serious fractures that involve the ankle joint and continue to present a challenge to the orthopedic surgeon. They are often the result of violent trauma and are associated with significant soft tissue damage, osseous comminution and articular surface disruption.

What is intra articular fracture?

An intraarticular fracture is a fracture that crosses a joint surface. Such fractures also involve some cartilage damage. Fractures to joints are more complicated to treat and heal than simple fractures, as multiple bones are involved. Bone fragments inside the damaged joint may impede healing time and efficacy.

What is a Pilon Orif?

A pilon fracture is a type of break of the shinbone (tibia) that happens near the ankle. Most of the time, it includes breaks in both the tibia and fibula of the lower leg. The lower ends of these bones make up part of the ankle. The term “pilon” comes from the French word for pestle. This is a tool used for crushing.

How serious is a pilon fracture?

Pilon fractures are among the most serious fractures that involve the ankle joint and continue to present a challenge to the orthopedic surgeon. They are often the result of violent trauma and are associated with significant soft tissue damage, osseous comminution and articular surface disruption.

Can you walk with a pilon fracture?

Most pilon fractures need 6 to 12 weeks without weight in order to heal. After this time, you will slowly start to put more and more weight on your leg. You may be sent to a physical therapist to ensure are walking normally. Most pilon fractures need surgery to permanently line up the bones.

Why is it called Lover’s fracture?

History and etymology

The name “lover’s fracture” is derived from the fact that a suitor may jump from great heights while trying to escape from the lover’s spouse 2. There is an important association between lover’s fractures and burst fractures of the lumbar spine.

How do you fix a broken Pilon?

If your pilon fracture is mild, you might receive treatment with splints, casts, and pain medicines. Many people with pilon fractures will need surgery. Your surgeon might wait until your swelling goes down to do the surgery.

Can you walk on a fractured fibula?

Because the fibula is not a weight-bearing bone, your doctor might allow you walk as the injury recovers. You also might be advised to use crutches, avoiding weight on the leg, until the bone heals because of the fibula’s role in ankle stability.

What are the types of ankle fractures?

Different types of ankle fractures
  • Fibula Only Fracture (lateral malleolus fracture) The base of the fibula (the lateral malleolus) forms the bony lump on the outside of your ankle. …
  • Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture. …
  • Trimalleolar Fractures. …
  • Tibia Only Fracture (pilon fracture) …
  • Maisonneuve Fracture.

Who is Salter Harris?

Salter-Harris fractures were first categorized in 1963 by Canadian doctors Robert Salter and W. Robert Harris. There are five main types, distinguished by the way the injury impacts the growth plate and surrounding bone. The higher numbers have a higher risk of possible growth problems.

When do you stop wearing a walking boot?

Your doctor may have you use a boot for 1 to 6 weeks. How long you wear it depends on how serious your injury is. Orthopedic boots are removable, and most of them can be adjusted. Your health professional will show you how to put on, remove, and adjust your boot.

Can I walk on a broken fibula after 6 weeks?

It and the tibia, the larger bone, therefore, support all of your weight when standing. Because of this and unlike other types of injuries and conditions, a broken fibula usually requires six weeks to three months before patients are able to return to their normal routine.