Can Pilon Fractures be Created in Vitro? A Biomechanical Study of Axial Loading

Abstract

The popular understanding of the mechanism which creates pilon fractures has been axial loading. The purpose of this project was to study the biomechanics of pilon fractures using contemporary mechanical testing in a cadaveric model. We attempted to reproduce pilon fractures in nine ankles using a drop-tower apparatus and measuring the force each foot met on impact. The position of the foot during impact and the height from which the foot was dropped was changed for each test. Limbs were radiographed both before and after injury and then grossly dissected. We were unable to reproduce a tibial pilon fracture using this methodology. Our results suggest that the mechanism of injury causing pilon fractures may be more complex than axial loading alone.

Key words

Mechanism - laboratory - cadaveric model

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