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Foot & Ankle
intermediate
X-Type

Pilon Fractures

Ankle Trauma

A 42-year-old man falls from a ladder, landing on his feet. He presents with severe ankle pain and swelling. Examination reveals gross deformity, significant swelling with fracture blisters developing, and an intact neurovascular status. CT scan shows a comminuted intra-articular distal tibial fracture with die-punch impaction of the central plafond, an associated fibula fracture, and severe metaphyseal comminution. There is no open wound. Regarding pilon fractures:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Pilon fractures are axial loading injuries of the distal tibial articular surface (plafond); the mec...

B

Soft tissue management is critical in pilon fractures; the anterior "thin envelope" is at high risk ...

C

Pilon fractures are low-energy injuries; soft tissue considerations are minimal; fracture blisters a...

D

The staged treatment protocol involves: Stage 1 - spanning external fixation (with or without fibula...

E

Complications include wound dehiscence, deep infection, malunion, non-union, and post-traumatic arth...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option