To report the good results of two-stage treatment in pilon fractures.

A retrospective study of 23 patients among 30 patients with pilon fractures from March 2006 to November 2008, who underwent two-stage treatment of pilon fractures with a minimum of 24 months follow-up. The mean follow-up period was 28 months (24~41 months). In the first stage of the operation, open reduction of the articular surface and external fixation were performed after minimal incision. As the soft tissue healed, locking compression plate fixation was performed with the Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis. Radiographic evaluation was graded by the criteria of Burwell and Charnley, and functional assessment of the ankle was evaluated by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score.

The fractures were united within 16 weeks (12~30 weeks). The radiologic results showed anatomical reduction in 18 cases and a mean AOFAS score of 81. The mean range of ankle motion was 44 degrees. There were four complications: 1 case of wound infection and 3 cases of ankle osteoarthritis.

Two-stage treatment of pilon fractures is a good treatment method because it is designed to obtain early anatomical reduction, definitive stable fixation, low rates of soft tissue complication, and good range of ankle motion.