ABSTRACT
The tibia is the most commonly fractured long bone. Shaft fractures often result from high-energy trauma; however, they may also manifest insidiously following application of low-energy torsional forces or as stress fractures. The Topliss classification system has essentially looked at re-evaluating the anatomy of pilon fractures based on both plain radiographs and computed tomography and comments on six typical fragments, the recognition of which helps plan reconstruction all are present in any one patient. The principal classification systems in use for tibial shaft and plafond injuries are as follows: The AO/OTA system describes the relationship between fracture pattern and mechanism. In some instances a combination of limited internal fixation and a circular frame may be used; frames may be either spanning or non-spanning, although some authors suggest that cases in which non-spanning external fixation is considered are more appropriately treated with locking plate fixation.
