Comparison of Functional and Radiologic Outcomes of Pilon Fractures Treated with Ilizarov External Fixator and Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis

© 2022, Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Tip Fakultesi. All rights reserved.Gold standard surgical treatment remains controversial for pilon fractures. This retrospective study aimed to analyze the mid-term results of tibial pilon fractures that were treated with the Ilizarov external fixator and Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO). The study population consists of 50 patients with a minimum of one-year follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups bases on the treatment method (Group 1, Ilizarov, n=25; Group 2, MIPO, n=25). The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score were used in the evaluation of functional outcomes. Ankle and subtalar joint range of motion (ROM) were evaluated at the last evaluation. The association between reduction quality and the development of ankle OA was analyzed as well. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding AOFAS, FADI, VAS scores, and ankle ROM at the last follow-up (P>0.05). Also, union time and complication rates were similar between the two groups (P>0.05). Both MIPO and the Ilizarov techniques are effective and safe methods with low complication rates in the treatment of pilon fractures