Orthopaedic Trauma
Dr. Steven S. Louis is an integral part of the Hinsdale Orthopaedics team since 1997. Dr. Louis’ exceptional surgical skills are complemented by a personable style and dedication to the highest quality patient outcomes and satisfaction. He is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon and is fellowship trained in the area of trauma.
Pilon Fractures
Pilon Fractures Specialist In The Greater Chicagoland Area
Orthopaedic trauma injuries are rarely anticipated and often require the skill of a trained surgeon on an emergency basis. Dr. Steven Louis is specially-trained in this area and has put hundreds of patients back to work and to daily activities. He is very comfortable in the emergency room and is adept at putting both patients and their families at ease during a very stressful time.
Dr. Louis is here for you!
FAQs on Pilon Fractures
What Are Pilon Fractures?
Pilon fractures occur where the shinbone meets the ankle joint, at a very fragile point on the leg. These fractures are usually caused by a large force or impact and are most often caused by falls, car accidents, and skiing. Men are three times more likely than women to have this injury. Likely symptoms include severe pain, swelling, bruising, deformity of the ankle, and inability to bear weight on the injured leg.
What Are The Symptoms of Pilon Fractures?
A pilon fracture typically causes pain, tenderness, bruising, swelling and some deformity of the lower leg/upper ankle joint. You may experience tenderness of the lower leg and ankle bone and inability to move the lower leg and/or ankle area. You will experience some weakness of the leg area around the injury and possible leg numbness below the injury and in the ankle/foot area.
What Are The Treatment Option For Pilon Fractures?
If the fracture does not affect the bone placement within the leg, doctors can treat the injury non-surgically by placing a cast on the leg. However, most pilon fibula fractures must be treated with surgery. Dr. Louis has extensive experience with this type of injury and recommends waiting until the swelling around the injury goes down before performing surgery. He typically places an external fixator across the ankle for ten to fourteen days before performing the fixation with plates and screws to hold the bone in place until it has healed.
