What is a Pilon Fracture of the Ankle?

What is a Pilon Fracture of the Ankle? 

Pilon fractures affect the bottom of the shinbone (tibia) at the ankle joint. In most cases, both bones in the lower leg, the tibia and fibula, are broken near the ankle.

Pilon is a French word for pestle, an instrument used for crushing or pounding. In many pilon fractures, the bones of the ankle joint are crushed due to the high-energy impact causing the injury. Pilon fractures may be considered high-energy ankle fractures.

Because of the energy required to cause this type of fracture, 25% to 50% of patients have additional injuries that require treatment. Pilon fractures are most often caused by high-energy impacts such as fall from heights, skiing, motor vehicle/motorcycle collisions, etc.

Many pilon fractures require surgery, but some stable fractures can be treated nonsurgically. Whether or not your doctor recommends surgery often depends on how out of place (displaced) the fractured pieces of bone are. If the pieces are aligned and stable, nonsurgical treatment may effectively heal the fracture.

            Symptoms

• Immediate and severe pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tender to the touch
• Cannot put any weight on the injured foot
• Deformity ("out of place")—your ankle looks angled or crooked

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms and are seeking medical attention, please call to schedule your appointment today!