Avascular Necrosis of the Tibial Plafond Following Rotational Ankle Fractures

Angela K Heinen; Thomas G Harris

doi:10.1016/j.fcl.2018.10.003

Avascular Necrosis of the Tibial Plafond Following Rotational Ankle Fractures

Foot Ankle Clin. 2019 Mar;24(1):113-119. doi: 10.1016/j.fcl.2018.10.003. Epub 2018 Nov 16.

Authors

Angela K Heinen¹, Thomas G Harris²

Affiliations

¹ Foot and Ankle Surgery, UCLA Harbor Medical Center, 1000 W. Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90502, USA. Electronic address: drheinen34@gmail.com.
² Foot and Ankle Surgery, UCLA Harbor Medical Center, 1000 W. Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90502, USA; Foot and Ankle Department, Congress Medical Associates, 800 South Raymond, 2nd Floor, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA.

PMID: 30685005
DOI: 10.1016/j.fcl.2018.10.003

Abstract

Avascular necrosis (AVN) following rotational ankle fractures is most commonly described in the talus; however, it can also occur in the tibial plafond. These sequelae of ankle fractures are rarely described in the literature. Diagnosis of AVN is best confirmed with MRI of the involved extremity. Treatment options range from conservative treatments such as observation and limited weight-bearing to surgical management including percutaneous drilling, ankle arthrodesis, and total ankle arthroplasty. More research is needed to further identify patients at high risk for developing these sequelae of ankle fractures and to aid in the treatment and surgical decision-making process.

Keywords: Ankle; Fracture; Osteonecrosis; Plafond; Tibia.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Ankle Fractures / complications*
Humans
Orthopedic Procedures / methods
Osteonecrosis / diagnosis
Osteonecrosis / etiology*
Osteonecrosis / therapy
Tibia / pathology*