PILON FRACTURE
PILON FRACTURE INTRODUCTION: A pilon fracture is a type of break that occurs at the bottom of the tibia (shinbone) and involves the weight-bearing surface of the ankle joint. With this type of injury, the other bone in the lower leg, the fibula, is frequently broken as well. A pilon fracture typically occurs as the result of a high-energy event, such as a car collision or fall from height. Pilon is the French word for "pestle"—an instrument used for crushing or pounding. In many pilon fractures, the bone may be crushed or split into several pieces due to the high-energy impact that caused the injury. In most cases, surgery is needed to restore the damaged bone to its normal position. Because of the energy required to cause a pilon fracture, patients may have other injuries that require treatment as well. ANATOMY: The two bones of the lower leg are the: Tibia—shinbone Fibula—smaller bone in the lower leg The talus is a small foot bone th