Plating of pilon fractures based on the orientation of the fibular shaft component: A biomechanical study evaluating plate stiffness in a cadaveric fracture model

Lateral plate fixation is biomechanically superior for pilon fractures resulting from valgus force as evident by comminuted fibular fracture. Similarly, medial plate location resulted in improved stiffness in compression for varus type fractures, evident by transverse fibular fracture. We approached statistical significance, however our lack of power regarding adequate sample size is an issue that is consistent with other biomechanical studies in this area.