COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF SURGICAL AND NON-SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF THE PILON FRACTURE: A CLINICAL EVALUATION

Abstract

Background: Traumatic injuries in the distal tibia with involvement of articular surface of
ankle joint are termed as Pilon fractures having high incidence in orthopedic subjects.
Aim: The present study aimed at comparing and assessing the outcomes following surgical
and non-surgical management of the fractures of Pilon.
Materials and Methods: 58 study subjects were divided into two groups of 29 subjects each
where one group was managed with surgical treatment and the other with non-surgical and
conservative management for fracture of Pilon which were diagnosed using Ruedi-Allgower
classification. Outcomes following management were assessed including union, functional
outcomes, and complications seen in two groups.
Results: Malunion was seen in 13.79% (n=4) subjects and stiffness in 27.58% (n=8) subjects
who were managed non-surgically, whereas, osteomyelitis, deep infection, and superficial
infection was seen in 6.89% (n=2) subjects, 3.44% (n=1) subject, and in 10.34% (n=3) study
subjects respectively from the surgical management group
Conclusion:The present study concluded that excellent and clinically acceptable results are
associated with the surgical management of the Pilon fracture, whereas, non-surgical
management resulted in poor clinical outcomes. Also, overall complications were higher in
subjects managed conservatively compared to subjects managed by surgical treatment.