Arthroscopic-Assisted External Fixation of Pilon Fractures

Pilon fractures are challenging injuries, and many options have been described for the definitive treatment of these fractures. Controversy still exists regarding the best method of management. Reconstruction of articular congruity through internal fixation has been regarded as mandatory for optimal results; however, the strict adherence to meticulous reduction may have adverse effects leading to several complications like wound dehiscence. External fixation of these fractures gained wide acceptance in past decades due to lower rates of soft tissue complications, even though articular surface reduction through ligamentotaxis is not ideal. Direct visual inspection of the articular surface during external fixation is of great value since it can improve the reduction of articular fragments; thus arthroscopic-assisted techniques have been introduced for the management of pilon fractures in recent years with successful results.