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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
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Pseudofracture: An Acute Peripheral Tissue Trauma Model
Published on: April 18, 2011
Pilon fracture complicated by compartment syndrome: a case report
Dominic Patillo1, Gregory J Della Rocca, Yvonne M Murtha
1University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma
|May 27, 2010
Summary
Pilon fractures rarely cause compartment syndrome, but this case shows successful treatment with fasciotomy. Maintain a high suspicion for compartment syndrome in patients with severe pain after pilon fracture.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Pilon fractures, often caused by high-energy trauma, are injuries to the distal tibia.
- Compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency characterized by increased pressure within a fascial compartment.
Observation:
- This report details an uncommon case of an adult patient who sustained a pilon fracture complicated by compartment syndrome.
- The patient presented with intractable pain following the pilon fracture.
Findings:
- The pilon fracture with compartment syndrome was successfully managed with a four-compartment leg fasciotomy.
- The surgical intervention resulted in positive patient outcomes.
Implications:
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for compartment syndrome in patients experiencing severe, persistent pain after a pilon fracture.
- Early recognition and surgical decompression are crucial for managing this rare but serious complication.
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