A case report of circular external fixator with low-profile mini-fragment plate fixation: A combination of two methods for a tibial pilon fracture

Abstract

Tibial pilon fractures are difficult to treat. These fractures are associated with a high frequency of soft tissue complications. Therefore, two-stage surgery and less invasive surgical strategies using external fixation have been reported. The patient was a 79-year-old man. The right tibial pilon fracture was diagnosed as AO/OTA 43C3.1, Rüedi and Allgöwer type 2. He was treated with a low-profile mini-fragment plate and circular (Ilizarov type) external fixation. Herein, we report on a combination of these two methods: circular external fixator with low-profile mini-fragment plate fixation. At 18 months postoperatively, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot score was a perfect score of 100. Radiographs taken in the loading position showed no narrowing of the joint fissure. There were no soft tissue infections, no plate breakage, no bone fusion, no symptoms of plate irritation, and no need for nail extraction.

Keywords

• Ilizarov external ring fixator
• Pilon fracture
• Tibial pilon fracture
• Tibial plafond fracture
• External fixation
• Low-profile mini-fragment plate