This consisted in a second stage of internal fixation with a specifically developed locked pilon plate with multi-directional applicable screws. Between March 2000 and February 2005, 42 patients with high-energy fractures of the tibial plafond were treated using a two-staged treatment plan: firstly the fracture was stabilized with an external fixator immobilizing the ankle joint. Secondly, after stabilization of the soft-tissue situation (mean 9.2 days)