Pilon Fracture Reduction and Functional Outcome

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years and older * Patients with a unilateral intraarticular pilon fracture of the distal tibia classified according to AO: AO 43 - B1, B2 and B3 (partial intraarticular) AO 43 - C1, C2 and C3 (total intraarticular) * Definitive fracture fixation with a plate within 4 weeks after accident (Temporary fixation with an external fixator, cast or traction is allowed) * Signed written informed consent (by the patients) and agreement to attend the planned FU evaluations Exclusion Criteria: * Contralateral fracture of the distal half of the tibia/fibula/talus * Pathologic fracture * Severe Polytrauma: Injury Severity Score (ISS) \> 28 * Preexisting severe vascular disease (chronic venous insufficiency, chronic arterial occlusive disease) * Drug or alcohol abuse * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class V and VI * Inability to walk independently prior to injury event * Neurological and psychiatric disorders that would preclude reliable assessment