Comparative Analysis of Outcome of Nonoperative and Operative Methods of Treatment of Pilon Fractures: An Institutional Based Study

Abstract

Background: Pilon fractures are traumatic injuries of the distal part of the tibia involving its articular surface at the ankle joint. The present study was conducted to compare the outcome of nonoperative and operative methods of treatment of pilon fractures. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted to compare the outcome of nonoperative and operative methods of treatment of pilon fractures. The fractures were classified based on Ruedi-Allgower classification in adults. 30 patients were allocated operative treatment rest 30 patients treated conservatively.Assessment of outcome- 1.Functional outcome 2.Union 3.Complications in two groups. Results: Total 60 patients with pilon fracture were included in the study. 30 patients were allocated operative treatment rest 30 patients treated conservatively. The fractures were classified based on Ruedi-Allgower classification in adults.Type 2 fracture that were treated conservatively and operatively were maximum.In operative group mean is 18.2 wks and in nonoperative group it is 19.1wks. In conservative treatment maximum cases show poor outcomes (43.33%) and in operative treatment maximum cases show excellent results.Stiffness (26.66%), malunion (13.33%) was present in conservatively treated patients. Superficial Infection (10%), Deep Infection(3.33%), Osteomyelitis(3.33%) was present in operatively treated patients.Overall complications in conservatively treated patients were 40% whereas 16.66% in operatively treated patients. Conclusion:The present study concluded that in conservative treatment maximum cases show poor outcomes(43.33%) and in operative treatment maximum cases show excellent results(53.33%). Overall complications in conservatively treated patients were 40% whereas 16.66% in operatively treated patients.