Epidemiological study and clinical-functional evaluation of patients undergoing surgical treatment of tibial pilon fractures

Abstract

Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of patients undergoing osteosynthesis for tibial pilon fractures and to perform a functional-clinical evaluation using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society questionnaires. Method: Retrospective and descriptive study based on the analysis of 35 patients diagnosed with tibial pilon fracture undergoing surgical treatment between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2021. The parameters analyzed included: age, sex, profession, side affected, trauma mechanism, interval between surgeries, comorbidities, and postoperative complications. Results: The sample consisted of 23 males (66%) and 12 females (34%), with a mean age of 47.6 years, with falls from height and automobile accidents being the main trauma mechanisms. The distribution of the affected side was balanced: 18 cases in the left ankle (51%) and 17 in the right (49%). According to the AO/OTA classification, fractures classified as AO 43C1 (28.6%) and 43C3 (25.7%) were the most frequent. It was observed that 88.8% of patients classified as 43C3 fractures experienced complications. Conclusion: The development of complications in tibial pilon fractures is significantly associated with AO/OTA classification, which directly reflects poorer clinical functional outcomes. Level of Evidence III; Retrospective.