Primary Arthrodesis for Tibial Pilon Fractures.

Staged primary ankle arthrodesis is a viable option for high-energy pilon fractures that are nonreconstructible, in patients with delay in treatment or multiple medical comorbidities, or in patients with peripheral neuropathy. Small retrospective series demonstrate high union and low wound complication rates, although further studies are needed to determine the long-term results. Ankle arthrodesis offers decreased complication rates while eliminating the potential of posttraumatic ankle arthritis pain.