Abstract:

BACKGROUND: There are many methods that can repair Pilon fracture, but the effects are not ideal. With the development of science and technology, fundamental change of fracture fixation principle and innovation of technology and idea has brought new opportunities for Pilon fracture repair. Biological immobilization technology can further reduce the further damage to blood supply of bone outer membrane on the fracture end, do not disturb biomechanical environment of fracture healing, and is the new trend of present research and development.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of locking compression plate fixation for repair of Pilon fracture using biological fixation technique.
METHODS: Clinical data of 76 patients with Pilon fracture treated using locking compression plate fixation in the Nanhai District Economic Development Zone Guanyao Branch of the People’s Hospital from June 2008 to December 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 49 males and 27 females, at the age of 39.5 years on average (range from 19 to 60 years). According to Ruedi-Allgower classification, there were 54 cases of type II and 22 cases of type III. In accordance with biological fixation technique, locking compression plate fixation was  applied to treat Pilon fracture. Following treatment, they were regularly followed up. Reduction quality was assessed by Burwell-Charnley radiological criteria. X-ray films were reviewed to observe fracture healing. During final follow-up, ankle function was evaluated according to Baird-Jackson score.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A total of 76 patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months. Reduction quality assessed by Burwell-Charnley radiological criteria was as follows: anatomic reduction of 68 cases, reduction of 8 cases, 71 cases of one-stage wound healing, and 5 cases of wound healing after dressing change, with the rate of one-stage healing of 93%. Fractures of all patients were healed. The healing time was 4 to 8.5 months, averagely 6.25 months. During final follow-up, ankle function assessed by Baird-Jackson score was as follows: there were 69 excellent cases, 5 good cases and 2 average cases. These results indicate that locking compression plate fixation for Pilon fracture obtained good stability, could effectively avoid the damage of fracture end blood supply, shorten the healing time; it was simple to operate, had small injury to soft tissue, and was an effective fixation method to repair Pilon fracture.

中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：人工关节；骨植入物；脊柱；骨折；内固定；数字化骨科；组织工程

Key words: Tibial Fractures, Internal Fixators, Fracture Healing, Follow-Up Studies