Abstrakt
The tibial pilon is the broad joint-bearing portion of the distal tibia. The concave horizontal joint surface facing the talar dome is also referred to as tibial plafond.
Fractures of the tibial pilon with joint involvement usually result from a considerable axial impact. The prognosis is regarded as critical because of the primary cartilage damage.
The treatment of pilon fractures belongs to the challenges in trauma surgery and requires profound knowledge of the anatomy, a detailed analysis of the injury, and careful surgical planning. The following article gives an overview on anatomy, biomechanics and pathomechanics of the tibial pilon as well as classification and surgical planning of pilon fractures.