Early Versus Delayed Plate Fixation in Pilon Fractures-Which Is More Advantageous?

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Pilon fractures involve distal tibia fractures from high-energy trauma.
• Surgical timing (early vs. delayed) impacts pilon fracture outcomes.
• Plate fixation is a common surgical treatment method.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare early versus delayed plate fixation for pilon fractures.
• To evaluate effects on healing time, functional outcomes, and complications.
• To assess single versus double plate fixation methods.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 80 pilon fracture patients (2018-2023).
• Groups: Early surgery (<72h, n=40) vs. Delayed surgery (>7d, n=40).
• Fixation types: Single plate (n=40) vs. Double plate (n=40).

Main Results:

• Early surgery group showed significantly shorter healing time (14.2 vs. 16.8 weeks).
• Early surgery yielded better functional outcomes (AOFAS score: 82.3 vs. 78.1).
• Delayed surgery had lower infection rates (7.5% vs. 12.5%).

Conclusions:

• Early fixation accelerates pilon fracture healing and functional recovery.
• Delayed fixation reduces infection risk but may extend recovery time.
• Plate fixation choice impacts stability and soft tissue complications; personalized approach advised.