CME OnDemand: 2022 AOFAS Annual Meeting-Is It Safe to Prep the External Fixator in Situ During Staged ORIF of Pilon Fractures? A Retrospective Comparative Cohort Study Audio Poster

Is It Safe to Prep the External Fixator in Situ During Staged ORIF of Pilon Fractures? A Retrospective Comparative Cohort Study Audio Poster

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Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video transcript summarizes a retrospective comparative cohort study on the safety of prepping the external fixator in situ during staged open reduction and internal fixation of distal tibial pilon fractures. Pilon fractures are challenging for orthopedic surgeons, often resulting in unsatisfactory outcomes, including infection. Previous studies found that initial stabilization with external fixation before open reduction led to decreased complications. However, infection remains a challenge. The study aimed to compare infection and unplanned reoperation rates between patients whose external fixators were prepped into the surgical field and those whose fixators were removed. The study found that prepping the fixator did not significantly increase infection or unplanned reoperation rates. The authors believe this study supports the common practice in treating pilon fractures.

Asset Subtitle

Teja Yeramosu, Amanda Hayes, Porter Young, David Cinats, Stephen Kates, Tejas J. Patel, MD, Paul W. Perdue

Keywords

retrospective comparative cohort study

external fixator

distal tibial pilon fractures

infection rates

unplanned reoperation rates