A 40-year-old man sustains a pilon fracture (tibial plafond fracture) after a fall from height. The Ruedi-Allgower classification Type III fracture is characterized by:

• A Undisplaced fracture of the articular surface
• B Minimal displacement with no comminution
• C Fracture extending into the metaphysis only without articular involvement
• D Significant comminution with displacement and impaction of the articular surface ✓

Explanation

The Ruedi-Allgower classification of pilon (tibial plafond) fractures: Type I — undisplaced cleavage fracture; Type II — displaced articular fracture without comminution; Type III — displaced articular fracture with significant comminution and impaction. Type III injuries carry the worst prognosis due to articular cartilage destruction and require staged management — initial external fixation for soft tissue recovery followed by ORIF once swelling subsides (~2 weeks), targeting anatomical articular restoration, metaphyseal bone grafting, and stable fixation.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.