Pilon fracture: Difference between revisions

(12 intermediate revisions by 5 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
[[File:Pilon fracture.jpg|thumb|Pilon Fracture]]
==Background==
==Background==
*Axial loading injury that drives tibial plafond  (French for ceiling) into talar dome
*High energy axial loading injury that drives tibial plafond  (French for ceiling) into talar dome
**Motor vehicle accidents, falls from height
**"Pilon" is another word for pestle, a tool used to grind substance in a mortar
**"Pilon" is another word for pestle, a tool used to grind substance in a mortar
*Also known as a tibial plafond fracture
*Also known as a tibial plafond fracture


==Diagnosis==
==Clinical Features==
*Suspect other fractures as well:
*Ankle pain/deformity
**Lumbar spine (esp L1), calcaneus, talar dome, tibial plateau, femoral neck, acetabulum,
*Inability to bear weight
*Monitor for compartment syndrome
*Local tenderness to palpation
 
==Imaging==
*CT necessary to reveal amount of articular surface displacement/develop treatment plan


==Differential Diagnosis==
==Differential Diagnosis==
{{Distal leg fractures DDX}}
{{Distal leg fractures DDX}}
==Evaluation==
[[File:Pilon fracture xray.jpg|thumb|Pilon fracture]]
[[File:Pilon fracture.jpg|thumb|Pilon Fracture]]
===Work-Up===
*Plain radiographs
**AP, Lateral, and Mortise views of ankle
*CT often necessary to reveal amount of articular surface displacement/develop treatment plan
===Diagnosis===
*Assess distal pulse, motor, and sensation
*Inspect skin for signs of open fracture
*Suspect other fracture as well, given mechanism:
**Lumbar spine (esp L1), calcaneus, talar dome, tibial plateau, femoral neck, acetabulum,
*Monitor for compartment syndrome


==Management==
==Management==
{{General Fracture Management}}
===Specific Management===
*[[Long leg posterior splint]]
*[[Long leg posterior splint]]
*Consult ortho for surgery
*Consult ortho for surgery
==Disposition==
*If stabilized without evidence of significant articular displacement, can be managed as outpatient after consultation with Ortho
===Admit for===
*[[Open fracture]]
*Signs of neurovascular compromise
*Concern for [[compartment syndrome]]


==See Also==
==See Also==
Line 24: Line 47:
*[[Ankle (Main)]]
*[[Ankle (Main)]]


==Source==
==References==
*Tintinalli
<references/>


[[Category:Ortho]]
[[Category:Orthopedics]]

Revision as of 04:59, 18 September 2019

Background

  • High energy axial loading injury that drives tibial plafond (French for ceiling) into talar dome
    • Motor vehicle accidents, falls from height
    • "Pilon" is another word for pestle, a tool used to grind substance in a mortar
  • Also known as a tibial plafond fracture

Clinical Features

  • Ankle pain/deformity
  • Inability to bear weight
  • Local tenderness to palpation

Differential Diagnosis

Distal Leg Fracture Types

Evaluation

Pilon fracture
Pilon Fracture

Work-Up

  • Plain radiographs
    • AP, Lateral, and Mortise views of ankle
  • CT often necessary to reveal amount of articular surface displacement/develop treatment plan

Diagnosis

  • Assess distal pulse, motor, and sensation
  • Inspect skin for signs of open fracture
  • Suspect other fracture as well, given mechanism:
    • Lumbar spine (esp L1), calcaneus, talar dome, tibial plateau, femoral neck, acetabulum,
  • Monitor for compartment syndrome

Management

General Fracture Management

Specific Management

Disposition

  • If stabilized without evidence of significant articular displacement, can be managed as outpatient after consultation with Ortho

Admit for

See Also

References