M.E.Müller: Atlas: Fracture 43-A1

Tibia/Fibula, Distal,
extra-articular fracture, simple 0,59% of the total
3,05% of the tibia
15,73% of the segment

86 fractures
26,7% group
44%M, 56%F

137 fractures
42,6% group
52%M, 48%F

99 fractures
30,7% group
61%M, 39%F

Spiral +Q Oblique +Q Transverse +Q

These are extra-articular fractures of the distal tibia, metaphyseal simple, with an oblique fracture line. Ref. U. Heim. The pilon tibial fracture.
WB Saunders. 1995.
Surgeon. AO Documentation Centre. Davos.

The principles of the surgical technique to be used are those described for the fractures of the distal third of the tibial diaphysis, with the added difficulty that the distal fragment is short and cancellous. The plates, preferably of the cloverleaf or of the tubular type, will have to be properly contoured.

In the illustrated case, an isolated screw performing interfragmentary compression can be observed.

The one-third tubular plate matches the size of the tibia and has been contoured to the tibial epiphysis. We want to warn the reader about the false impression given by the antero-posterior view, where the plate appears to be placed too far distally; in fact, it is just at the level of the anterior border of the epiphysis, as demonstrated on the lateral view. This observation must be taken into account when assessing the placement of the distal screws in any X-ray of the pilon.

preoperative preoperative

+ 4 months + 4 months




						Tibia/Fibula, Distal, extra-articular fracture, simple	0,59% of the total 3,05% of the tibia 15,73% of the segment






These are extra-articular fractures of the distal tibia, metaphyseal simple, with an oblique fracture line.		Ref. U. Heim. The pilon tibial fracture. WB Saunders. 1995. Surgeon. AO Documentation Centre. Davos.

The principles of the surgical technique to be used are those described for the fractures of the distal third of the tibial diaphysis, with the added difficulty that the distal fragment is short and cancellous. The plates, preferably of the cloverleaf or of the tubular type, will have to be properly contoured. In the illustrated case, an isolated screw performing interfragmentary compression can be observed.	The one-third tubular plate matches the size of the tibia and has been contoured to the tibial epiphysis. We want to warn the reader about the false impression given by the antero-posterior view, where the plate appears to be placed too far distally; in fact, it is just at the level of the anterior border of the epiphysis, as demonstrated on the lateral view. This observation must be taken into account when assessing the placement of the distal screws in any X-ray of the pilon.