An adjunct to percutaneous plate insertion to obtain optimal sagittal plane alignment in the treatment of pilon fractures.

Abstract

Advances in the surgical technique and implant technology have offered significantly improved options for patients in the acute fracture setting. In particular, regarding extra- and intra-articular fractures of the distal tibia, percutaneous plating options have helped to minimize soft tissue stripping, maintain osseous vascularity, and increase the healing potential and fracture stabilization. However, even with the advent of new, minimally invasive technologies, misalignment after open reduction can still occur. In the present report, we present a simple, reproducible technique that we have used to consistently achieve optimal sagittal plane alignment of fixation during percutaneous plating of fractures of the distal tibia.