Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the technical specifications and long-term results of “early minimally invasive surgery” that we have been implementing on AO 43-C3 pilon fractures.
Methods: Twelve patients with AO 43-C3 closed fracture were operated within the first 36 h of trauma with the goal of providing definitive treatment. After consideration of the associated fibular fracture, tibial articular surface was fixed with anatomical reduction and rigidly percutaneously. Subcutaneous anatomical medial plating was applied to provide relative stability between articular block and the comminuted metaphyso-diaphyseal part.
Results: The average age was 50 (range: 36-62) years. The average time between trauma and surgery was 18 (range: 6-36) hours. The average follow-up period was 60 (range: 24-78) months. There were no wound problems or infections. The reduction quality was excellent in 7 patients and good in 5 patients. Clinical results were excellent for 4 and good for 8 patients. Stage 1 arthrosis was observed in 4, stage 2 in 6, and stage 3 arthrosis in 2 patients.
Conclusion: Single-stage minimally invasive plating of AO 43-C3 pilon fractures may result in a satisfactory functional score in the long term because of the quality of joint reduction and the effect of the energy load of the trauma, which is important for the development of arthrosis.