What is pilon fracture?
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.
How does a pilon fracture happen?
Most pilon fractures happen when your talus (the weight-bearing bone in your ankle) is driven into your lower leg bone(s) (your tibia and fibula) with such force that your leg bone(s) breaks at your ankle joint.
Can you walk with a pilon fracture?
You may be able to bear weight between two to three months. After four months, you may be walking after a pilon fracture with no assisted aid. A pilon fracture physical therapy program will be put in place to help strengthen the muscle and will continue as long as your doctor sees fit.
How long does it take to walk after pilon fracture?
Recovery. It often takes 3-6 months for the breaks in the tibia and fibula bones to heal. Until the bones fully heal, the patient’s leg and ankle cannot be stressed or worked too hard.
What is a mortise view?
The mortise view enables assessment for fractures and spacing of the entire joint surface, including that between the fibula and talus. The distance between the talus and either the fibula or tibia should be equal throughout the joint.
How do you heal a fractured Pilon?
Recovery. You will most likely be unable to bear weight on your ankle for up to 12 weeks after your injury. During this time, your doctor may recommend that you use crutches or a walker. After 6 weeks, your doctor may replace your cast with a removable brace.
When can you drive after a pilon fracture?
Responses for operative right ankle fractures ranged from 2 to 12 weeks post op. Patients with right non-operatively treated ankle fractures were allowed to drive at an average of 7.8 weeks (range 4-12 weeks). Various criteria for assessing a patient’s ability to return to driving were reported.
What is mortise ankle?
The ankle joint is a hinged synovial joint that is formed by the articulation of the talus, tibia, and fibula bones. Together, the three borders (listed below) form the ankle mortise. The articular facet of the lateral malleolus (bony prominence on the lower fibula) forms the lateral border of the ankle joint.
What is mortise view in xray?
AP mortise view. The AP mortise view is done with the leg internally rotated 15-20o so that the x-ray beam is perpendicular to the inter-malleolar line. This view permits examination of the articular space (clear space).
What is a Pott’s fracture?
A Pott’s fracture is a fracture affecting one or both of the malleoli. During activities such as landing from a jump (volleyball, basketball) or when rolling an ankle, a certain amount of stress is placed on the tibia and fibula and the ankle joint.
What are the 7 bones in the ankle called?
The tarsal bones are 7 in number. They are named the calcaneus, talus, cuboid, navicular, and the medial, middle, and lateral cuneiforms.
What is a pilon fracture?
3. Definition All fractures of the tibia involving the distal articular surface should be classified as pilon fractures, except for medial or lateral malleolar fractures and trimalleolar fractures where the posterior malleolar fracture involves < 1 /3 of the articular surface. 4.
What are the treatment options for a displaced pilon fracture?
Treatment Operative Displaced pilon fractures are usually treated surgically. Helfet (1994) was the first to propose a twostage protocol for this type of fracture: First stage: Temporary external fixation, to restore length, alignment and rotation of the limb + ORIF of a fibular fracture, if present, if the soft tissue allows.
What are the possible complications of pilon fracture of the ankle?
Complications Tibial shortening: Caused by fracture comminution, metaphyseal impaction, or initial failure to restore length by fibula fixation. 87. Complications Decreased ankle ROM: Patients usually average <10°of dorsiflexion and <30°of plantar flexion. 88. Refernces Sirkin MS: Plating of Tibial Pilon Fractures.
What is a tibial pilon?
Historical Perspective The term ‘tibial pilon’ was first used by Destot in 1911, likening the pilon to a pestle. 3.