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Talar Osteochondral Lesions With Pilon Fractures

Incidence and Management Implications of Talus Osteochondral Lesions in Tibial Plafond (Pilon) Fractures Identified Via Nano-Arthroscopy at Time of External Fixation: A Pilot Study

Who can join

Ages 18 and older · All sexes

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years (skeletally mature) Tibial plafond fractures with impaction of the articular surface requiring external fixation for temporization AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) Fracture classification 43-C type fractures (excluding posterior pilon or supination-adduction type ankle fractures) Closed injury

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior ankle surgery

  * Pre-existing ankle arthritis
  * Unstable polytrauma patients precluding safe temporization
  * Concomitant talus or calcaneus fractures identifiable on plain radiographs
  * Pregnant
  * Prisoner
  * Unable to Consent

About the study

Patients with pilon fractures have a high incidence of talar osteochondral lesions. In this study, patients will undergo ankle arthroscopy at the time of external fixation. The objective is to help determine the incidence of these lesions with pilon fractures and to see if these nano-arthroscopy results change the plan for definitive treatment.

What is being tested

• Diagnostic Ankle Nano-Arthroscopy (procedure)

Sponsor: University of Missouri-Columbia · Participants: 25 · Started: Apr 15, 2026

Contact the study team

• Vicki L Jones, MEd · Phone: 573-882-7583

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07553221

Locations in the U.S.

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.