Subscribe to RSS
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-960703
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York
Can Pilon Fractures be Created in Vitro? A Biomechanical Study of Axial Loading
Publication History
Publication Date:
12 September 2007 (online)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/osteotrauma/20070203/lookinside/thumbnails/10.1055-s-2007-960703-1.jpg)
Abstract
The popular understanding of the mechanism which creates pilon fractures has been axial loading. The purpose of this project was to study the biomechanics of pilon fractures using contemporary mechanical testing in a cadaveric model. We attempted to reproduce pilon fractures in nine ankles using a drop-tower apparatus and measuring the force each foot met on impact. The position of the foot during impact and the height from which the foot was dropped was changed for each test. Limbs were radiographed both before and after injury and then grossly dissected. We were unable to reproduce a tibial pilon fracture using this methodology. Our results suggest that the mechanism of injury causing pilon fractures may be more complex than axial loading alone.
Key words
Mechanism - laboratory - cadaveric model
References
- 1 Bonar S K, Marsh J L. Tibial plafond fractures: Changing principles of treatment. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 1994; 2 297-306
- 2 Lauge-Hansen N. Fractures of the ankle V: Pronation-dorsiflexion fractures. Arch Surg. 1953; 67 813-820
- 3 Maale G, Seligson D. Fractures through the distal weight-bearing surface of the tibia. Orthop. 1980; 3 517-521
- 4 Rommens P M, Claes P, De Boodt P. et al . [Therapeutic procedure and long-term results in tibial pilon fracture in relation to primary soft tissue damage. In German]. Unfallchirurg. 1994; 97 39-46
- 5 Teeny S M, Wiss D A. Open reduction and internal fixation of tibial plafond fractures. Variable attributing to poor results and complications. Clin Orthop. 1993; 292 108-117
- 6 Topliss C J, Jackson M, Atkins R M. Anatomy of pilon fractures of the distal tibia. J Bone Joint Surg [Br]. 2005; 87 692-697
- 7 Tornetta P, Weiner L, Bergman M. et al . Pilon fractures: Treatment with combined internal and external fixation. J Orthop Trauma. 1993; 7 489-496
C. S. RobertsMD
210 E. Gray Street, Suite 1003
Louisville, KY 40202
USA
Phone: +1/5 02/8 52 69 64
Fax: +1/5 02/8 52 72 27
Email: craig.roberts@louisville.edu