Fracture blisters: predictors for time to definitive fixation in pilon fractures

• DOI: 10.1007/s00590-023-03623-w
• Publication Date: 2023-06-29T17:01:47Z
• Authors: Avinaash Korrapati; Canhnghi N. Ta; Brendon C. Mitchell; Pelle V. Wall; Pradyumna Gurusamy; Kathryn Dwight; Paul J. Girard; Alexandra K. Schw...; William T. Kent
• Keywords: Blisters; Pilon fracture

Abstract Purpose Fracture blisters, a common soft-tissue complication of pilon fractures, are associated with post-operative wound infections, delays in definitive fixation, and alterations surgical plan. The purpose this study was to (1) identify the delay surgery attributable presence fracture blisters (2) investigate relationship comorbidities severity. Methods Patients fractures at an urban level 1 Trauma center from 2010 2021 were identified. or absence noted, along location. Demographic information, time injury external fixator placement, open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) collected. Pilon classified according AO/OTA guidelines using CT imaging plain radiographs. Results 314 patients available for analysis, eighty (25%) whom found have blisters. had longer compared those without (14.2 days vs 7.9 days, p < 0.001). A greater proportion 43C patterns, (71.3% 53.8%, = 0.03). Fractures less likely be localized over posterior ankle (12%, 0.007). Conclusion significant higher energy patterns. commonly located which may support implementation staged posterolateral approach when managing these injures.