Sirkin tested whether staging open reduction and internal fixation of complex pilon fractures until soft tissue swelling subsides keeps surgical wound complications minimal. Retrospective Level 1 trauma center series of 56 AO 43 pilon fractures (34 closed, 22 open) treated with fibular plating and ankle-spanning external fixation within 24 hours, then delayed articular plating; wound problems requiring hospitalization tracked for at least 12 months.
Sirkin tested whether staging open reduction and internal fixation of complex pilon fractures until soft tissue swelling subsides keeps surgical wound complications minimal. Retrospective Level 1 trauma center series of 56 AO 43 pilon fractures (34 closed, 22 open) treated with fibular plating and ankle-spanning external fixation within 24 hours, then delayed articular plating; wound problems requiring hospitalization tracked for at least 12 months.