Talar Osteochondral Lesions in Pilon Fractures: Nano-Arthroscopy During External Fixation
Official title: 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
Run by University of Missouri-Columbia · NCT07553221 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether tiny ankle arthroscopy during external fixation can find talar cartilage lesions in adults with pilon fractures and help plan future treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Missouri-Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbia, Missouri) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 2030 |
| Study ends | April 2031 |
| Registry record updated | July 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07553221 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18+) with tibial plafond (pilon) fractures requiring external fixation for temporization, without prior ankle surgery or pre-existing ankle arthritis.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without talar lesions or where findings do not alter planned management may receive no additional benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Patients with pilon (tibial plafond) fractures may have hidden talar osteochondral lesions. The trial uses nano-arthroscopy during the external fixation procedure to identify these lesions and assess whether findings would change the definitive treatment plan. The approach involves consenting patients preoperatively, performing nano-arthroscopy after frame placement, and documenting any lesions or changes in surgical strategy. The study aims to enroll 25 participants at a single center with industry collaboration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, nano-arthroscopy could reveal occult lesions and guide more informed, customized surgical planning for pilon fractures.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows a high rate of talar lesions with ankle injuries, but this specific nano-arthroscopy approach in pilon fractures is novel or not yet well established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where it's running
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University of Missouri - Columbia
Columbia, Missouri, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Brett Crist — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Vicki L Jones, MEd
- Email: jonesvicki@health.missouri.edu
- Phone: 573-882-7583
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Fibergraft Aeridyan bone graft for open pilon fractures
This observational study will see if using Fibergraft Aeridyan bone graft matrix helps adults with open pilon fractures heal with fewer infections and nonunions.
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Simplified rehabilitation for ankle and pilon fractures
This study tests if a simple wooden block stretching routine can help people recover from ankle and pilon fractures just as well as regular physical therapy.
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Comparing two surgical methods for treating ankle fractures in elderly patients
This study is testing which surgical method works better for treating ankle fractures in frail elderly patients: a fusion surgery or a method that uses plates and screws.
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Treatment for Pilon Fractures with N-Acetylcysteine Injection
This study is testing if an injection of N-acetylcysteine can help people with high energy pilon fractures avoid developing arthritis after their injury.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.