Does Joint Lavage Reduce Intraarticular Inflammation in High-energy Tibial Pilon Fractures?

Description

High-energy tibial pilon fractures have historically been associated with poor outcomes largely due to the elevated risk of severe post-traumatic arthritis. Intraarticular fractures result in a pro-inflammatory hemarthrosis that may further exacerbate the chondral damage that was sustained due to the original injury. This project will study the effect of joint lavage on the concentration of inflammatory cytokines in the ankle following a high-energy tibial pilon fracture and the resultant effect on short-term patient outcomes.

Conditions

Post-traumatic; Arthrosis, Tibial Fractures, Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis of Ankle

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

High-energy tibial pilon fractures have historically been associated with poor outcomes largely due to the elevated risk of severe post-traumatic arthritis. Intraarticular fractures result in a pro-inflammatory hemarthrosis that may further exacerbate the chondral damage that was sustained due to the original injury. This project will study the effect of joint lavage on the concentration of inflammatory cytokines in the ankle following a high-energy tibial pilon fracture and the resultant effect on short-term patient outcomes.

Does Joint Lavage Reduce Intraarticular Inflammation in High-energy Tibial Pilon Fractures?

Does Joint Lavage Reduce Intraarticular Inflammation in High-energy Tibial Pilon Fractures?

Condition
Post-traumatic; Arthrosis
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Fort Sam Houston

Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, United States, 78234

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Male or female age 18 years or older
  • * Present with an axially unstable tibial pilon fracture requiring temporary external fixation followed by delayed definitive internal fixation
  • * Able to give informed consent
  • * Open fractures
  • * Delayed presentation greater than 72 hours post-injury
  • * Associated talar body fracture
  • * Presentation after initial ex-fix placement
  • * Unreconstructable or unsalvageable joint
  • * Preexisting ankle arthritis
  • * Previous ankle surgery
  • * Contralateral ankle injury
  • * Age less than 18 years
  • * Pregnant women
  • * Individuals who are incarcerated

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

United States Naval Medical Center, San Diego,

Study Record Dates

2025-07