Tillaux fracture: Difference between revisions

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{{CMG}}; {{AE}}[[User:DrMars|Mohammadmain Rezazadehsaatlou[2]]].
{{CMG}}; {{AE}}[[User:DrMars|Mohammadmain Rezazadehsaatlou[2]]].


'''''Synonyms and Keywords:''''' ''Pilon fracture, Plafond fracture''
'''''Synonyms and Keywords:''''' ''Tillaux fracture, Tillaux-Chaput avulsion fracture''


== Overview ==
== Overview ==
[[Tillaux fracture]] is a fracture of the distal part of the tibia bone (also called the shinbone). Meanwhile, the injured tibia may break into one or multiple pieces.
[[Tillaux fracture]] is a Salter-Harris type III fracture occurs at the anterolateral aspect of the distal tibial epiphysis, with different amount of displacements.


== Historical Perspective <ref name="pmid25673229">{{cite journal |vauthors=Krettek C, Bachmann S |title=[Pilon fractures. Part 2: Repositioning and stabilization technique and complication management] |language=German |journal=Chirurg |volume=86 |issue=2 |pages=187–201; quiz 202–3 |date=February 2015 |pmid=25673229 |doi=10.1007/s00104-014-2917-5 |url=}}</ref>==
== Historical Perspective ==
There are no reliable information regarding the historical perspective of the [[Tillaux fracture]].
There are no reliable information regarding the historical perspective of the [[Tillaux fracture]].
== Causes <ref name="pmid28288519">{{cite journal |vauthors=Busel GA, Watson JT, Israel H |title=Evaluation of Fibular Fracture Type vs Location of Tibial Fixation of Tillaux Fractures |journal=Foot Ankle Int |volume=38 |issue=6 |pages=650–655 |date=June 2017 |pmid=28288519 |doi=10.1177/1071100717695348 |url=}}</ref>==
== Causes ==
The [[Tillaux fracture]]<nowiki/>s most often result from high-energy trauma like: a car or motorcycle accident, fall from height, or skiing accident due to  the rotational or axial-loading forces to the tibia bone. Meanwhile, there are other causes responsible for this type of fracture such as:
The [[Tillaux fracture]]<nowiki/>s most often result from high-energy trauma like: a car or motorcycle accident, fall from height, or skiing accident due to  the rotational or axial-loading forces to the tibia bone. Meanwhile, there are other causes responsible for this type of fracture such as:
* Pressure during car accidents
* Pressure during car accidents
* Twisted ankle side to side
* Twisted ankle side to side
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If we imagine the ankle as a ring in which bones and ligaments play an important role in the maintaining the stability of this joint. Meanwhile, if this ring is broken in one place it remains stable but when it is broken in two places, the ring is unstable and it is at the higher risk of fracture. Consequently the ankle is unstable when both the medial and the lateral malleoli are fractured.
If we imagine the ankle as a ring in which bones and ligaments play an important role in the maintaining the stability of this joint. Meanwhile, if this ring is broken in one place it remains stable but when it is broken in two places, the ring is unstable and it is at the higher risk of fracture. Consequently the ankle is unstable when both the medial and the lateral malleoli are fractured.
=== Pathophysiology<ref name="pmid26114568">{{cite journal |vauthors=Schweigkofler U, Benner S, Hoffmann R |title=[Pilon Fractures] |language=German |journal=Z Orthop Unfall |volume=153 |issue=3 |pages=335–54; quiz 355–6 |date=June 2015 |pmid=26114568 |doi=10.1055/s-0035-1545983 |url=}}</ref> ===
=== Pathophysiology ===
Its known that the [[Tillaux fracture]] in normal healthy adults can be caused due to the high-energy trauma (e.g., motor vehicle accidents), sport related injuries, falling from height. But it should be noted that the most important Risk factors for insufficiency fractures is chronic metabolic disease such as steoporosis, osteopenia, eating-disordered behavior, higher age, prolonged corticosteroid usage, female gender, lower BMI, history of a recent falling, and prior fracture.
Its known that the [[Tillaux fracture]] in normal healthy adults can be caused due to the high-energy trauma (e.g., motor vehicle accidents), sport related injuries, falling from height. But it should be noted that the most important Risk factors for insufficiency fractures is chronic metabolic disease such as steoporosis, osteopenia, eating-disordered behavior, higher age, prolonged corticosteroid usage, female gender, lower BMI, history of a recent falling, and prior fracture.
* The pattern of bone fracture and severity of injury depends on variety of factors such as:
* The pattern of bone fracture and severity of injury depends on variety of factors such as:
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·       Women with advanced [[osteopenia]]: T-score of −2.00 to −2.49 - should have screening for 1 year.
·       Women with advanced [[osteopenia]]: T-score of −2.00 to −2.49 - should have screening for 1 year.


==Natural History, Complications and Prognosis <ref name="pmid25673229">{{cite journal |vauthors=Krettek C, Bachmann S |title=[Pilon fractures. Part 2: Repositioning and stabilization technique and complication management] |language=German |journal=Chirurg |volume=86 |issue=2 |pages=187–201; quiz 202–3 |date=February 2015 |pmid=25673229 |doi=10.1007/s00104-014-2917-5 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid25591416">{{cite journal |vauthors=Krettek C, Bachmann S |title=[Pilon fractures. Part 1: Diagnostics, treatment strategies and approaches] |language=German |journal=Chirurg |volume=86 |issue=1 |pages=87–101; quiz 102–4 |date=January 2015 |pmid=25591416 |doi=10.1007/s00104-014-2895-7 |url=}}</ref>==
==Natural History, Complications and Prognosis <ref name="pmid25673229">{{cite journal |vauthors=Krettek C, Bachmann S |title=[Pilon fractures. Part 2: Repositioning and stabilization technique and complication management] |language=German |journal=Chirurg |volume=86 |issue=2 |pages=187–201; quiz 202–3 |date=February 2015 |pmid=25673229 |doi=10.1007/s00104-014-2917-5 |url=}}</ref>==


=== Natural History <ref name="pmid30134307">{{cite journal |vauthors=Kottmeier SA, Madison RD, Divaris N |title=Pilon Fracture: Preventing Complications |journal=J Am Acad Orthop Surg |volume=26 |issue=18 |pages=640–651 |date=September 2018 |pmid=30134307 |doi=10.5435/JAAOS-D-17-00160 |url=}}</ref>===
=== Natural History ===
In cases with untreated [[Tillaux fracture]] the malunion and deformity of arm can be occurred.
In cases with untreated [[Tillaux fracture]] the malunion and deformity of arm can be occurred.


=== Complications <ref name="pmid28365069">{{cite journal |vauthors=De-Las-Heras-Romero J, Lledo-Alvarez AM, Lizaur-Utrilla A, Lopez-Prats FA |title=Quality of life and prognostic factors after intra-articular tibial pilon fracture |journal=Injury |volume=48 |issue=6 |pages=1258–1263 |date=June 2017 |pmid=28365069 |doi=10.1016/j.injury.2017.03.023 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid30134307">{{cite journal |vauthors=Kottmeier SA, Madison RD, Divaris N |title=Pilon Fracture: Preventing Complications |journal=J Am Acad Orthop Surg |volume=26 |issue=18 |pages=640–651 |date=September 2018 |pmid=30134307 |doi=10.5435/JAAOS-D-17-00160 |url=}}</ref>===
=== Complications <ref name="pmid30134307">{{cite journal |vauthors=Kottmeier SA, Madison RD, Divaris N |title=Pilon Fracture: Preventing Complications |journal=J Am Acad Orthop Surg |volume=26 |issue=18 |pages=640–651 |date=September 2018 |pmid=30134307 |doi=10.5435/JAAOS-D-17-00160 |url=}}</ref>===
The overall complication rate in the treatment of [[Tillaux fracture]] were found in around 40% of cases:
The overall complication rate in the treatment of [[Tillaux fracture]] were found in around 40% of cases:
# Neurovascular compromise: such as Ulna nerve damage
# Neurovascular compromise: such as Ulna nerve damage
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* However, some patients may develop [[neuropraxia]] of the branch of the Ulnar nerve resulting in decreased sensation of thumb, index and middle finger.
* However, some patients may develop [[neuropraxia]] of the branch of the Ulnar nerve resulting in decreased sensation of thumb, index and middle finger.


==Laboratory Findings<ref name="pmid27496169">{{cite journal |vauthors=Wang Y, Wang J, Luo CF |title=Modified posteromedial approach for treatment of posterior pilon variant fracture |journal=BMC Musculoskelet Disord |volume=17 |issue= |pages=328 |date=August 2016 |pmid=27496169 |pmc=4974710 |doi=10.1186/s12891-016-1182-9 |url=}}</ref>==
==Laboratory Findings==
There is a limited laboratory tests useful in the diagnosis of bone fractures such as the [[Tillaux fracture]]. Meanwhile, aged men and women may have some abnormalities in their laboratory findings suggestive of osteoporosis.
There is a limited laboratory tests useful in the diagnosis of bone fractures such as the [[Tillaux fracture]]. Meanwhile, aged men and women may have some abnormalities in their laboratory findings suggestive of osteoporosis.


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* Serum 25-(OH)-vitamin D level
* Serum 25-(OH)-vitamin D level


==X Ray<ref name="pmid26293486">{{cite journal |vauthors=Klaue K, Cronier P |title=[Pilon fractures] |language=German |journal=Unfallchirurg |volume=118 |issue=9 |pages=795–801; quiz 802–3 |date=September 2015 |pmid=26293486 |doi=10.1007/s00113-015-0054-3 |url=}}</ref>==
==X Ray==
The orthopedic surgeon should consider to have at least two radiographic projections (ie, anteroposterior [AP] and lateral) of the ankle. These show the fracture, the extent of displacement, and the extent of comminution. The orthopedic surgeon should pay serious attention toward finding any foreign bodies in open fractures and gunshot injuries. Also imperative is to include the elbow and wrist joint in the radiographs of [[Ankle fracture]] to ensure that the distal radioulnar joint injuries are not missed.
The orthopedic surgeon should consider to have at least two radiographic projections (ie, anteroposterior [AP] and lateral) of the ankle. These show the fracture, the extent of displacement, and the extent of comminution. The orthopedic surgeon should pay serious attention toward finding any foreign bodies in open fractures and gunshot injuries. Also imperative is to include the elbow and wrist joint in the radiographs of [[Ankle fracture]] to ensure that the distal radioulnar joint injuries are not missed.


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There are no other Diagnostic studies associated with  [[Tillaux fracture]]
There are no other Diagnostic studies associated with  [[Tillaux fracture]]


==Treatment<ref name="pmid28674752">{{cite journal |vauthors=Klaue K |title=[Operative access for treatment of pilon fractures] |language=German |journal=Unfallchirurg |volume=120 |issue=8 |pages=648–651 |date=August 2017 |pmid=28674752 |doi=10.1007/s00113-017-0377-3 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid27534089">{{cite journal |vauthors=Jia SH, Huang CL, Xu HW, Gong SL |title=[Surgical treatment for posterior Pilon fracture through posterolateral approach] |language=Chinese |journal=Zhongguo Gu Shang |volume=29 |issue=6 |pages=557–60 |date=June 2016 |pmid=27534089 |doi= |url=}}</ref> ==
==Treatment ==
Immediate stabilization of patients is the first step. Then the radial fracture and the DRUJ stabilization is recommended in these cases. Open ankle fractures considered as a surgical emergency. [[Tillaux fracture]] occurs in younger patients who are skeletally immature; the normally they treated using a closed reduction and casting. Since closed reduction and cast application have led to unsatisfactory results. Then, Almost always the open reduction are necessary for the [[Tillaux fracture]]. There are controversies regarding the indications for intramedullary nailing of ankle fractures.
Immediate stabilization of patients is the first step. Then the radial fracture and the DRUJ stabilization is recommended in these cases. Open ankle fractures considered as a surgical emergency. [[Tillaux fracture]] occurs in younger patients who are skeletally immature; the normally they treated using a closed reduction and casting. Since closed reduction and cast application have led to unsatisfactory results. Then, Almost always the open reduction are necessary for the [[Tillaux fracture]]. There are controversies regarding the indications for intramedullary nailing of ankle fractures.


==Non-Operative Treatment<ref name="pmid28717978">{{cite journal |vauthors=Mittlmeier T, Wichelhaus A |title=[Treatment strategy and planning for pilon fractures] |language=German |journal=Unfallchirurg |volume=120 |issue=8 |pages=640–647 |date=August 2017 |pmid=28717978 |doi=10.1007/s00113-017-0383-5 |url=}}</ref> ==
==Non-Operative Treatment ==
* The first step in managing a patient with a fracture is to stabilize the patient if he/she is unstable due to blood loss, etc by giving them intravenous fluids and giving them some painkillers if the pain is severe.
* The first step in managing a patient with a fracture is to stabilize the patient if he/she is unstable due to blood loss, etc by giving them intravenous fluids and giving them some painkillers if the pain is severe.
* In children, the usual plan is to attempt closed reduction followed by cast immobilization. In adults, treatment with immobilization in a molded long arm cast can be used in those rare occasions of a non-displaced fracture of the ankle joint. If the fracture shifts in position, it may require surgery to put the bones back together.
* In children, the usual plan is to attempt closed reduction followed by cast immobilization. In adults, treatment with immobilization in a molded long arm cast can be used in those rare occasions of a non-displaced fracture of the ankle joint. If the fracture shifts in position, it may require surgery to put the bones back together.
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** Stiffness is universal following a prolonged period of immobilization and swelling
** Stiffness is universal following a prolonged period of immobilization and swelling


==Surgery <ref name="pmid27496169">{{cite journal |vauthors=Wang Y, Wang J, Luo CF |title=Modified posteromedial approach for treatment of posterior pilon variant fracture |journal=BMC Musculoskelet Disord |volume=17 |issue= |pages=328 |date=August 2016 |pmid=27496169 |pmc=4974710 |doi=10.1186/s12891-016-1182-9 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid28638931">{{cite journal |vauthors=Rotter R, Gierer P |title=[Operative techniques and results of tibial pilon fractures] |language=German |journal=Unfallchirurg |volume=120 |issue=8 |pages=652–657 |date=August 2017 |pmid=28638931 |doi=10.1007/s00113-017-0371-9 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid29238178">{{cite journal |vauthors=Liu P, Guo Y, Wen Y, Wang W |title=Clinical application of arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive therapy in Chinese elderly with type III Pilon fracture |journal=Clin Interv Aging |volume=12 |issue= |pages=2033–2038 |date=2017 |pmid=29238178 |pmc=5716396 |doi=10.2147/CIA.S140272 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid27756830">{{cite journal |vauthors=Abou Elatta MM, Assal F, Basheer HM, El Morshidy AF, Elglaind SM, Abdalla MA |title=The use of dynamic external fixation in the treatment of dorsal fracture subluxations and pilon fractures of finger proximal interphalangeal joints |journal=J Hand Surg Eur Vol |volume=42 |issue=2 |pages=182–187 |date=February 2017 |pmid=27756830 |doi=10.1177/1753193416674155 |url=}}</ref>==
==Surgery <ref name="pmid27496169">{{cite journal |vauthors=Wang Y, Wang J, Luo CF |title=Modified posteromedial approach for treatment of posterior pilon variant fracture |journal=BMC Musculoskelet Disord |volume=17 |issue= |pages=328 |date=August 2016 |pmid=27496169 |pmc=4974710 |doi=10.1186/s12891-016-1182-9 |url=}}</ref>==
Returning to the normal physical activity after [[Tillaux fracture]]can take weeks to months of therapy under supervision an orthopedist. Meanwhile, a physiotherapy can be helpful for patient to achieve the normal wrist and elbow function caused by the immobilization. All adult [[Tillaux fracture]] should be considered to be treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).  
Returning to the normal physical activity after [[Tillaux fracture]]can take weeks to months of therapy under supervision an orthopedist. Meanwhile, a physiotherapy can be helpful for patient to achieve the normal wrist and elbow function caused by the immobilization. All adult [[Tillaux fracture]] should be considered to be treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).  


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=== Operation <ref name="pmid28359592">{{cite journal |vauthors=Zhang SB, Zhang YB, Wang SH, Zhang H, Liu P, Zhang W, Ma JL, Wang J |title=Clinical efficacy and safety of limited internal fixation combined with external fixation for Tillaux fracture: A systematic review and meta-analysis |journal=Chin. J. Traumatol. |volume=20 |issue=2 |pages=94–98 |date=April 2017 |pmid=28359592 |pmc=5392718 |doi=10.1016/j.cjtee.2016.06.012 |url=}}</ref>===
=== Operation ===
* There are a variety of methods and implants useful to stabilize the  [[Tillaux fracturee]], ranging from closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation to the use of intra-medullary devices.
* There are a variety of methods and implants useful to stabilize the  [[Tillaux fracturee]], ranging from closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation to the use of intra-medullary devices.
* However, the most common fixation methods to treat complex [[Tillaux fracture]] include [[external fixation]], and open reduction and internal fixation.
* However, the most common fixation methods to treat complex [[Tillaux fracture]] include [[external fixation]], and open reduction and internal fixation.
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* Nonunion
* Nonunion


=== Pain Management <ref name="pmid26106960">{{cite journal |vauthors=Ren T, Ding L, Xue F, He Z, Xiao H |title=Risk factors for surgical site infection of pilon fractures |journal=Clinics (Sao Paulo) |volume=70 |issue=6 |pages=419–22 |date=June 2015 |pmid=26106960 |pmc=4462573 |doi=10.6061/clinics/2015(06)06 |url=}}</ref>===
=== Pain Management ===
Pain after an injury or surgery is a natural part of the healing process.
Pain after an injury or surgery is a natural part of the healing process.


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== Postoperative Rehabilitation<ref name="pmid24945386">{{cite journal |vauthors=Huebner EJ, Iblher N, Kubosch DC, Suedkamp NP, Strohm PC |title=Distal tibial fractures and pilon fractures |journal=Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech |volume=81 |issue=3 |pages=167–76 |date=2014 |pmid=24945386 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid26749728">{{cite journal |vauthors=Chen Z, Chen D, Yang H, Wu W, Dai Z |title=[360 degrees INTERNAL FIXATION BY DOUBLE APPROACHES FOR HIGH-ENERGY CLOSED Pilon FRACTURES] |language=Chinese |journal=Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi |volume=29 |issue=10 |pages=1226–9 |date=October 2015 |pmid=26749728 |doi= |url=}}</ref> ==
== Postoperative Rehabilitation ==
* Complex  [[Tillaux fracture]] warrant individualized immobilization and rehabilitation strategies.
* Complex  [[Tillaux fracture]] warrant individualized immobilization and rehabilitation strategies.
* Because most multifragmentary [[Tillaux fracture]] are the result of high-energy injuries, a prolonged period of [[wrist]] immobilization and [[Soft tissue|soft-tissue]] rest may be beneficial and has not been shown to affect clinical outcomes.
* Because most multifragmentary [[Tillaux fracture]] are the result of high-energy injuries, a prolonged period of [[wrist]] immobilization and [[Soft tissue|soft-tissue]] rest may be beneficial and has not been shown to affect clinical outcomes.
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*<nowiki/>The presence of varying degrees of ankle [[stiffness]] is inevitable and may result from poor [[pain]] control, lack of effort in controlled mobilization, [[edema]], concomitant ipsilateral [[lower extremity]] [[Bone fracture|fracture]]<nowiki/>s, or [[Peripheral nervous system|peripheral]] <nowiki/>[[Peripheral nervous system|nerve]] injuries. Early stretching and mobilization of the intrinsic and extrinsic [[Tendon|tendons]] of the [[hand]] is important to prevent finger [[stiffness]].  [[Edema]] control can be initiated with compression gloves, digital massage, and active and passive ROM of the ankle.  A home [[Physical exercise|exercise]] program or outpatient occupational therapy is started immediately post-operatively to maintain full [[range of motion]] of the ankle and limit the development of intrinsic muscle tightnes
*<nowiki/>The presence of varying degrees of ankle [[stiffness]] is inevitable and may result from poor [[pain]] control, lack of effort in controlled mobilization, [[edema]], concomitant ipsilateral [[lower extremity]] [[Bone fracture|fracture]]<nowiki/>s, or [[Peripheral nervous system|peripheral]] <nowiki/>[[Peripheral nervous system|nerve]] injuries. Early stretching and mobilization of the intrinsic and extrinsic [[Tendon|tendons]] of the [[hand]] is important to prevent finger [[stiffness]].  [[Edema]] control can be initiated with compression gloves, digital massage, and active and passive ROM of the ankle.  A home [[Physical exercise|exercise]] program or outpatient occupational therapy is started immediately post-operatively to maintain full [[range of motion]] of the ankle and limit the development of intrinsic muscle tightnes


== Primary Prevention <ref name="pmid18328415">{{cite journal |vauthors=Hutson JJ |title=Salvage of pilon fracture nonunion and infection with circular tensioned wire fixation |journal=Foot Ankle Clin |volume=13 |issue=1 |pages=29–68, vi |date=March 2008 |pmid=18328415 |doi=10.1016/j.fcl.2007.11.004 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid29359596">{{cite journal |vauthors=Kim GB, Shon OJ, Park CH |title=Treatment of AO/OTA Type C Pilon Fractures Through the Anterolateral Approach Combined With the Medial MIPO Technique |journal=Foot Ankle Int |volume=39 |issue=4 |pages=426–432 |date=April 2018 |pmid=29359596 |doi=10.1177/1071100717746628 |url=}}</ref>==
== Primary Prevention ==
There are various preventive options to reduce the incidence of the [[Tillaux fracture]]
There are various preventive options to reduce the incidence of the [[Tillaux fracture]]
* Using ankle guards during practicing sports (skating, biking)
* Using ankle guards during practicing sports (skating, biking)
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*<nowiki/><nowiki/><nowiki/>Healthy diet
*<nowiki/><nowiki/><nowiki/>Healthy diet


== Secondary Prevention <ref name="pmid29238178">{{cite journal |vauthors=Liu P, Guo Y, Wen Y, Wang W |title=Clinical application of arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive therapy in Chinese elderly with type III Pilon fracture |journal=Clin Interv Aging |volume=12 |issue= |pages=2033–2038 |date=2017 |pmid=29238178 |pmc=5716396 |doi=10.2147/CIA.S140272 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid28606840">{{cite journal |vauthors=Sukur E, Akman YE, Gokcen HB, Ozyurek EC, Senel A, Ozturkmen Y |title=Open reduction in pilon variant posterior malleolar fractures: Radiological and clinical evaluation |journal=Orthop Traumatol Surg Res |volume=103 |issue=5 |pages=703–707 |date=September 2017 |pmid=28606840 |doi=10.1016/j.otsr.2017.05.012 |url=}}</ref>==
== Secondary Prevention <ref name="pmid29238178">{{cite journal |vauthors=Liu P, Guo Y, Wen Y, Wang W |title=Clinical application of arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive therapy in Chinese elderly with type III Pilon fracture |journal=Clin Interv Aging |volume=12 |issue= |pages=2033–2038 |date=2017 |pmid=29238178 |pmc=5716396 |doi=10.2147/CIA.S140272 |url=}}</ref>==
It should be noted that the Post-menopausal women specially older than the age of 65 are at the higher risk of [[osteoporosis]] consequently these type of patients at greater risk for the pathological [[Bone fracture|fractures]] .
It should be noted that the Post-menopausal women specially older than the age of 65 are at the higher risk of [[osteoporosis]] consequently these type of patients at greater risk for the pathological [[Bone fracture|fractures]] .



Revision as of 11:18, 18 May 2019


Tillaux fracture
ICD-10 S42.2-S42.4
ICD-9 812
eMedicine emerg/199  orthoped/271 orthoped/199

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mohammadmain Rezazadehsaatlou[2].

Synonyms and Keywords: Tillaux fracture, Tillaux-Chaput avulsion fracture

Overview

Tillaux fracture is a Salter-Harris type III fracture occurs at the anterolateral aspect of the distal tibial epiphysis, with different amount of displacements.

Historical Perspective

There are no reliable information regarding the historical perspective of the Tillaux fracture.

Causes

The Tillaux fractures most often result from high-energy trauma like: a car or motorcycle accident, fall from height, or skiing accident due to the rotational or axial-loading forces to the tibia bone. Meanwhile, there are other causes responsible for this type of fracture such as:


  • Pressure during car accidents
  • Twisted ankle side to side
  • Rotated ankle side to side
  • Rolling ankle in or out
  • Hyper-flextion
  • Hyper-Extention
  • Tripping
  • Falling from a height
  • Jumping from a height

As a person age, two factors cause higher risk of fractures:

  • Weaker bones
  • Greater risk of falling

Stress fractures as a common causes of fractures can be found due to the repeated stresses and strains. Importantly children having more physically active lifestyles than adults, are also prone to fractures. People with any underlying diseases such as osteoporosis, infection, or a tumor affecting their bones having a higher risk of fractures. As mentioned in previous chapters, this type of fracture is known as a pathological fracture. Stress fractures, which result from repeated stresses and strains, commonly found among professional sports people, are also common causes of fractures.

Life-threatening Causes

Common Causes

Common causes of Tillaux fracture may include:

Less Common Causes

Less common causes of Tillaux fracture include conditions that predisposes to fracture:

Causes by Organ System

Cardiovascular No underlying causes
Chemical/Poisoning No underlying causes
Dental No underlying causes
Dermatologic No underlying causes
Drug Side Effect No underlying causes
Ear Nose Throat No underlying causes
Endocrine No underlying causes
Environmental No underlying causes
Gastroenterologic No underlying causes
Genetic No underlying causes
Hematologic No underlying causes
Iatrogenic No underlying causes
Infectious Disease No underlying causes
Musculoskeletal/Orthopedic Osteoporosis and osteopenia.
Neurologic No underlying causes
Nutritional/Metabolic Osteoporosis and osteopenia.
Obstetric/Gynecologic No underlying causes
Oncologic No underlying causes
Ophthalmologic No underlying causes
Overdose/Toxicity No underlying causes
Psychiatric No underlying causes
Pulmonary No underlying causes
Renal/Electrolyte No underlying causes
Rheumatology/Immunology/Allergy No underlying causes
Sexual No underlying causes
Trauma Falling of car accident to on side of Ankle .
Urologic No underlying causes
Miscellaneous No underlying causes

Causes in Alphabetical Order

List the causes of the disease in alphabetical order:

Pathophysiology

The main etiology of the Tillaux fracture is thought to excessive inversion stress to the ankle joint.

Mechanism

In 80% of ankle fractures the foot is in supination position while, in 20% of fractures the foot is in pronation position. Meanwhli,e the Tillaux fracture is caused by a falling or direct trauma to the ankle joint. The form and severity of this fracture depends on the position of the ankle joint at the moment of the trauma. The ankle joint is flexible but the medial side of the ankle joint is rigid because the medial malleolus is attached to the tibia and also the medial collateral ligaments are very strong. Also, lateral wall of the ankle include: the fibula, syndesmosis and lateral collateral ligaments play important rolls in this flexibility. This lateral wall of the ankle allows the talus to move in lateral and dorsal sides easily. The fibula has no weight-bearing roll but it provide a flexible lateral support. The syndesmosis is formed by the anterior and posterior tibiofibular ligaments which is the fibrous connection between the fibula and tibia.

If we imagine the ankle as a ring in which bones and ligaments play an important role in the maintaining the stability of this joint. Meanwhile, if this ring is broken in one place it remains stable but when it is broken in two places, the ring is unstable and it is at the higher risk of fracture. Consequently the ankle is unstable when both the medial and the lateral malleoli are fractured.

Pathophysiology

Its known that the Tillaux fracture in normal healthy adults can be caused due to the high-energy trauma (e.g., motor vehicle accidents), sport related injuries, falling from height. But it should be noted that the most important Risk factors for insufficiency fractures is chronic metabolic disease such as steoporosis, osteopenia, eating-disordered behavior, higher age, prolonged corticosteroid usage, female gender, lower BMI, history of a recent falling, and prior fracture.

  • The pattern of bone fracture and severity of injury depends on variety of factors such as:
    • Patients age
    • Patients Weight
    • Patients past medical history specifically any bone diseases affecting the quality of bone (such as osteoporosis, malignancies)
    • Energy of trauma
    • Bone quality
    • Position of the specific organ during the trauma
  • The below-mentioned processes cause decreased bone mass density:

Differentiating Tillaux fracture from other Diseases

In the orthopedic medicine its important to know that the Tillaux fracture should be evaluated using radiography for both confirming diagnosis and also for evaluating the surrounding tissues.

  • Acute compartment syndrome of ankle joint
  • Ankle Dislocation
  • Soft tissue Injury around the ankle ,
  • Deep Venous thrombosis
  • Thrombophlebitis
  • Foot Fracture
  • Gout
  • Pseudogout
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Tibia Fracture
  • Fibula Fracture
  • bimalleolar fracture
  • trimalleolar fracture
  • triplane fracture
  • Tillaux fracture
  • Bosworth fracture
  • Wagstaffe-Le Forte fracture
  • Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: in cases with repeated Tillaux fractures

Epidemiology and Demographics[1]

The Tillaux fracture accounts for around 1-10% of all fractures and 5-10 % of tibial fractures. It is more common in adults aged 30s to 40s due to the fall from height or a motor vehicle crash which is more common in this age group.

Risk Factors

There are different risk factors that predispose patient for the Tillaux fracture that include:

  • High-risk contact sports
  • Higher age (elderly adults are higher prone to such fractures)
  • Reduced bone density (osteoporosis)
  • Direct blow
  • Road / traffic accidents
  • Falling
  • Direct trauma to the ankle
  • Taking part in any rough or high-impact sport
  • Street fights, gunshot wounds, and domestic violence, may also cause the Tillaux fracture
  • Road traffic accidents.

Classification

The Tillaux fracture may be classified based on the exact location of fracture:

Ruedi and Allgower Classification of Pilon Fractures
Type I Articular involvement with minimal or no displacement
Type II Articular displacement but with minimal or no comminution
Type IIII Marked comminution as well as the articular impaction

AO/OTA classification for the distal tibial Fracture:

AO/OTA classification for the distal tibial Fracture
A: Distal tibial metaphyseal without intra-articular injury 1: Simple Fracture
2: Comminuted Fracture
3: Severely comminuted Fracture
B: Distal tibial metaphyseal with partial articular fractures   1: Pure split Fracture
2: Split Fracture with depression
3: Split Fracture with depression with multiple fragments
C: Distal tibial metaphyseal involves the entire joint area 1: Simple split Fracture affecting the articular surface and the metaphysis
2: Articular split Fracture with a multifragmentary metaphysis split
3: Fracture with multiple fragments of the articular surface and the metaphysis area

Screening

Osteoporosis is an important risk factor for human affecting human bone especially in men with the age of older than 50 years old and postmenopausal and women.

Based on the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) there are three groups of patients need to be screened for the osteoporosis:

  • ·       Men with no history of osteoporosis
  • ·       Women with the age of 65≤ year old, with no previous history of pathological fracture due to the osteoporosis
  • ·       Women with the age of <65 years, with 10-year fracture risk of not less than a 65-year-old white woman (who has not any other risk factor)

Accordingly women older than age of 50 are the main target for the osteoporosis screening. There is no specific recommendation to screen men for the osteoporosis.[1]

The USPSTF recommendations from 2002 included:

Meanwhile, there are two major modalities for the osteoporosis screening:

  1. ·       Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the hip and lumbar spine bones
  2. ·       Quantitative ultrasonography of the calcaneus

*It should be noted of the two above mentioned modalities for screening the ultrasonograhy is preferred to the DXA due to its lower cost, lower ionizing radiation, more availability.

After the primary evaluation of the osteoporosis, the further evaluation are required in some cases such as:

·       Women with normal bone density or mild osteopenia: T-score of greater than −1.50 – should have screening for 15 years.

·       Women with moderate osteopenia: T-score of −1.50 to −1.99 – should have screening for 5 years.

·       Women with advanced osteopenia: T-score of −2.00 to −2.49 - should have screening for 1 year.

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis [2]

Natural History

In cases with untreated Tillaux fracture the malunion and deformity of arm can be occurred.

Complications [3]

The overall complication rate in the treatment of Tillaux fracture were found in around 40% of cases:

  1. Neurovascular compromise: such as Ulna nerve damage
  2. Compartment syndrome
  3. Chronic disability of the DRUJ
  4. Physeal Injury
  5. Malunion of the radius
  6. Nonunion
  7. Infection
  8. Refracture following plate removal
  9. Neural injury
  10. Instability of the DRUJ
  11. Loss of Motion (Stiffness)
  12. Posttraumatic Arthritis
  13. Heterotopic Ossification

Prognosis [4][3]

Successful treatment of Tillaux fracture depends on the on-time interventions such as: accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment and referral. Complex open fractures with soft-tissue injuries have a worse prognosis than isolated closed Tillaux fractures.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a Tillaux fracture should be confirmed using a radiographic examination.

History and Symptoms [1]

The related signs and symptoms include:

  • Deformity
  • Skin lacerations
  • Open fractures
  • Erythema
  • Edema
  • Stiffness
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Tenderness
  • Loss of function of the ankle
  • Difficulties in detection of pulses
  • Nerve damage

In the physical exam the orthopedic surgeon should check the vascular status and amount of swelling in the ankle. In MULTI-trauma patients or in comatose or obtunded patients a tense compartment with neurological signs or stretch pain should be considered as the compartment syndrome, and the compartment pressures should be measured and monitored. Normally the pain and soft-tissue swelling are found at the injury site. This injury should be confirmed using a radiographic evaluations.

Physical Examination[1]

The related signs and symptoms include:

  • Edema of the ankle
    • Most of the time the edema will be a non-pitting edema
    • Depends on the edema extent, it may even lead to compartment syndrome in the anterior and internal compartment of the ankle
  • Bruising
    • As a manifestation of internal injury to the local vessels by trauma or fractures bone
  • Decrease in range of motion of the ankle
    • Movement of the ankle will be painful if possible at all
  • Tenderness
  • Deformity
    • Fractured bone deformity may be touchable in the internal side of the ankle if the fracture is displaced

In the physical exam the orthopedic surgeon should check the vascular status and amount of swelling in the ankle. In polytrauma patients or in comatose or obtunded patients a tense compartment with neurological signs or stretch pain should be considered as the compartment syndrome, and the compartment pressures should be measured and monitored.

Physical examination of patients with Tillaux fracture is usually remarkable for swelling, tenderness, bruises, ecchymosis, deformity and restricted range of motion of the ankle.

Appearance of the Patient

  • Patients with Tillaux fracture usually appears normal unless the patients had a high energy trauma causing the open wound fracture.

Vital Signs

Skin

HEENT

Neck

Lungs

Heart

Abdomen

Back

Genitourinary

Neuromuscular

  • Neuromuscular examination of patients with Tillaux fracture is usually normal
  • However, some patients may develop neuropraxia of the branch of the Ulnar nerve resulting in decreased sensation of thumb, index and middle finger.

Laboratory Findings

There is a limited laboratory tests useful in the diagnosis of bone fractures such as the Tillaux fracture. Meanwhile, aged men and women may have some abnormalities in their laboratory findings suggestive of osteoporosis.

Laboratory tests for the diagnosis of osteoporosis are:

  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Serum total calcium level
  • Serum Ionized calcium level
  • Serum phosphate level
  • Serum alkaline phosphatase level
  • Serum 25-(OH)-vitamin D level

X Ray

The orthopedic surgeon should consider to have at least two radiographic projections (ie, anteroposterior [AP] and lateral) of the ankle. These show the fracture, the extent of displacement, and the extent of comminution. The orthopedic surgeon should pay serious attention toward finding any foreign bodies in open fractures and gunshot injuries. Also imperative is to include the elbow and wrist joint in the radiographs of Ankle fracture to ensure that the distal radioulnar joint injuries are not missed.

CT [5]

  • CT-scan in the case of the Tillaux fractureis the best modality if you can not have an exclusive diagnosis by X-ray itself can not be made.

MRI [5]

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an expensive technique that should not be used routinely.
  • MRI is a powerful diagnostic tool to assess the abnormalities of the bone, ligaments and soft tissues associated with the Tillaux fracture, but it is known as a limited utility in radioulnar injuries and is not indicated in uncomplicated foankle earm fractures.
  • Meanwhile, the MRI can be useful in in following mentioned evaluations:
  • Evaluation of occult fractures
  • Evaluation of the post-traumatic or avascular necrosis of carpal bones
  • Evaluation of tendons
  • Evaluation of nerve
  • Evaluation of carpal tunnel syndrome

Other Imaging Findings[5]

There are no other imaging findings associated with Tillaux fracture

Other Diagnostic Studies[5]

There are no other Diagnostic studies associated with Tillaux fracture

Treatment

Immediate stabilization of patients is the first step. Then the radial fracture and the DRUJ stabilization is recommended in these cases. Open ankle fractures considered as a surgical emergency. Tillaux fracture occurs in younger patients who are skeletally immature; the normally they treated using a closed reduction and casting. Since closed reduction and cast application have led to unsatisfactory results. Then, Almost always the open reduction are necessary for the Tillaux fracture. There are controversies regarding the indications for intramedullary nailing of ankle fractures.

Non-Operative Treatment

  • The first step in managing a patient with a fracture is to stabilize the patient if he/she is unstable due to blood loss, etc by giving them intravenous fluids and giving them some painkillers if the pain is severe.
  • In children, the usual plan is to attempt closed reduction followed by cast immobilization. In adults, treatment with immobilization in a molded long arm cast can be used in those rare occasions of a non-displaced fracture of the ankle joint. If the fracture shifts in position, it may require surgery to put the bones back together.
  • Rigid immobilization is suggested in preference to removable splints in nonoperative treatment for the management of the Tillaux fracture
  • For all patients with Tillaux fracture, a post-reduction true lateral radiograph is suggested.
  • Operative fixation is suggested in preference to cast fixation for fractures with post-reduction radial shortening greater than 3 mm, dorsal tilt greater than 10º, or intra-articular displacement or step-off greater than 2 mm.
  • Patients probably do not need to begin early wrist motion routinely after stable fracture fixation.
  • Adjuvant treatment of Tillaux fracture with vitamin C is suggested for the prevention of disproportionate pain
  • Lateral epicondylar fractures should be immobilized for 7 days with patients elbow flexed at 90º, with the supinated ankle, and the extended wrist for relaxing the extensor muscles.

Complications of Non-surgical therapy

Failure of non-surgical therapy is common:

  • Re-displacement to its original position even in a cast
  • Stiffness
  • Post traumatic osteoarthritis leading to wrist pain and loss of function
  • Other risks specific to cast treatment include:

Surgery [6]

Returning to the normal physical activity after Tillaux fracturecan take weeks to months of therapy under supervision an orthopedist. Meanwhile, a physiotherapy can be helpful for patient to achieve the normal wrist and elbow function caused by the immobilization. All adult Tillaux fracture should be considered to be treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

External fixation: For severe open fractures Open reduction and internal fixation: For distal Tillaux fracture which depending on each patients condition the following may be needed:

Nerve placement Bone grafting Osteotomy Arthrodesis


Operation

  • There are a variety of methods and implants useful to stabilize the Tillaux fracturee, ranging from closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation to the use of intra-medullary devices.
  • However, the most common fixation methods to treat complex Tillaux fracture include external fixation, and open reduction and internal fixation.

External Fixation With or Without Percutaneous Pin Fixation

  • Ankle spanning external fixation employs ligamentotaxis to restore and maintain length, alignment, and rotation of bone.
  • Reduction is typically obtained through closed or minimally open methods and preserves the fracture biology.
  • The addition of percutaneous pins enhances the ability to reduce and stabilize fracture fragments.

Complications of External Fixation

Open reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws

  • This is the most common type of surgical repair for Tillaux fracture
  • During this type of procedure, the bone fragments are first repositioned (reduced) into their normal alignment.
  • The bones held together with special screws and metal plates attached to the outer surface of the bone.

Complications of open reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws =

  • Infection
  • Damage to nerves and blood vessels
  • Synostosis
  • Nonunion

Pain Management

Pain after an injury or surgery is a natural part of the healing process.

Medications are often prescribed for short-term pain relief after surgery or an injury such as:

  • opioids
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • local anesthetics

Be aware that although opioids help relieve pain after surgery or an injury, they are a narcotic and can be addictive.  It is important to use opioids only as directed by doctor.

Interventions[7]

The following options can be helpful for patients to rehabilitate after their fracture :

  • Joints mobilization
  • compression bandage
  • Soft tissue massage
  • Exercises and Activity modification


Postoperative Rehabilitation

  • Complex Tillaux fracture warrant individualized immobilization and rehabilitation strategies.
  • Because most multifragmentary Tillaux fracture are the result of high-energy injuries, a prolonged period of wrist immobilization and soft-tissue rest may be beneficial and has not been shown to affect clinical outcomes.
  • The ankle is typically immobilized for 6 weeks post-operatively in a splint with Full weight bearing commences at approximately 3 months post-operatively after consolidation of the fracture is noted on radiographs.
  • The presence of varying degrees of ankle stiffness is inevitable and may result from poor pain control, lack of effort in controlled mobilization, edema, concomitant ipsilateral lower extremity fractures, or peripheral nerve injuries. Early stretching and mobilization of the intrinsic and extrinsic tendons of the hand is important to prevent finger stiffness. Edema control can be initiated with compression gloves, digital massage, and active and passive ROM of the ankle. A home exercise program or outpatient occupational therapy is started immediately post-operatively to maintain full range of motion of the ankle and limit the development of intrinsic muscle tightnes

Primary Prevention

There are various preventive options to reduce the incidence of the Tillaux fracture

  • Using ankle guards during practicing sports (skating, biking)
  • Using ankle guards during driving motorbikes
  • Avoid falls in elderly individuals
  • Prevention and/or treatment of osteoporosis
  • Healthy diet

Secondary Prevention [8]

It should be noted that the Post-menopausal women specially older than the age of 65 are at the higher risk of osteoporosis consequently these type of patients at greater risk for the pathological fractures .

So the Calcium and vitamin D supplementation play important role in increasing the bone mineral density (BMD) consequently decrease the risk of fracture in these type of patients. Also, avoiding excessive alcohol and quitting smoking play important role in this regard.

Detecting osteoporosis

Pharmacological therapy

Life style modifications[4]

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See also

References

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  2. Krettek C, Bachmann S (February 2015). "[Pilon fractures. Part 2: Repositioning and stabilization technique and complication management]". Chirurg (in German). 86 (2): 187–201, quiz 202–3. doi:10.1007/s00104-014-2917-5. PMID 25673229.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Kottmeier SA, Madison RD, Divaris N (September 2018). "Pilon Fracture: Preventing Complications". J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 26 (18): 640–651. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-17-00160. PMID 30134307.
  4. 4.0 4.1 De-Las-Heras-Romero J, Lledo-Alvarez AM, Lizaur-Utrilla A, Lopez-Prats FA (June 2017). "Quality of life and prognostic factors after intra-articular tibial pilon fracture". Injury. 48 (6): 1258–1263. doi:10.1016/j.injury.2017.03.023. PMID 28365069.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Klaue K, Cronier P (September 2015). "[Pilon fractures]". Unfallchirurg (in German). 118 (9): 795–801, quiz 802–3. doi:10.1007/s00113-015-0054-3. PMID 26293486.
  6. Wang Y, Wang J, Luo CF (August 2016). "Modified posteromedial approach for treatment of posterior pilon variant fracture". BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 17: 328. doi:10.1186/s12891-016-1182-9. PMC 4974710. PMID 27496169.
  7. Ren T, Ding L, Xue F, He Z, Xiao H (June 2015). "Risk factors for surgical site infection of pilon fractures". Clinics (Sao Paulo). 70 (6): 419–22. doi:10.6061/clinics/2015(06)06. PMC 4462573. PMID 26106960.
  8. Liu P, Guo Y, Wen Y, Wang W (2017). "Clinical application of arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive therapy in Chinese elderly with type III Pilon fracture". Clin Interv Aging. 12: 2033–2038. doi:10.2147/CIA.S140272. PMC 5716396. PMID 29238178.