Volar, Dorsal, and Lateral Locking Plate Fixation for Pilon Fractures

The more common dorsal fracture subluxations at the base of the middle phalanx have an intact dorsal buttress of articular surface in continuity with the shaft. Capitalizing on this foundation, various fixation methods have met with relatively equivalent success including Kirschner wires, screws only, nonlocking plate and screws, and external fixation. Pilon fractures are complete articular fractures, where the comminuted articular fragments lack any structural connection to the more distal shaft of the middle phalanx, and have largely relied upon external fixation traction systems. The theoretical concept is that axial distraction prevents articular collapse and that the surrounding soft tissue envelope acts to gather the articular fragments; the term "ligamentotaxis" is often applied. Most constructs are founded on a transverse wire through the axis of rotation in the head of the proximal phalanx with the idea that patients will pursue active motion, termed "dynamic fixation." In practice, patients find it difficult to move well while the construct is in place and have rarely achieved much range by the time of removal. These cases are prone to loss of articular reduction leading to posttraumatic arthritis, substantial proximal interphalangeal joint stiffness, and pin-tract infection. Such problems are solved with locking plates that support the articular reduction throughout healing and permit immediate range of motion while avoiding other complications such as pin-tract infection. Outcomes are reported for 40 patients treated with locking plates applied from volar, dorsal, and lateral to treat pilon fractures.