KnotesFree Orthopaedic & FRCS notes, viva stations and higher order SBAs

Pilon #

Must KnowTraumathinKbox SBA

Pilon

Talk

  • I see AP, Lateral and oblique views of left leg and ankle, with comminuted and displaced I/A fracture of distal tibia with metaphysical extension. I would like to know the MOI, age and comorbidities.
  • I will approach the patient using ATLS principles. Once life threatening injuries are excluded, I will ensure that the injury is isolated, closed, NV intact and there is no compartment syndrome and assess the soft tissue for superficial/ deep abrasions or crushing.
  • I would like like to see the full length view of the tibia and fibula. I will give adequate analgesia, reduce the ankle and if soft tissues allow, a back slab is given.
  • If there is soft tissue injury, I will span the fracture with delta frame and order for a CT scan once the patient is stabilised.
  • This is a Ruedi and Algower type III fracture and I will plan for definitive fixation once the soft tissues are wrinkled as per the principles proposed by R and A

Ruedi and Algower principles

  • Fibula length and rotation restoration
  • Precise articular reconstruction
  • BG metaphyseal defects
  • Stabilse for early ROM exercises
  • Anterior approach for tibia and PL approach for fibula

Written/reviewed by Kishore Puthezhath

Professor of Orthopaedics and Consultant Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon

FRCS (Tr & Orth) revision resource

Reviewed: September 2026