Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis Using Locking Plates for AO 43-Type Fractures: Lessons Learnt From a Prospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Managing fractures of distal tibia is still a subject of debate for orthopaedic surgeons in terms of both, reduction and fixation. Subcutaneous location and soft tissue anatomy predisposes it to angular and rotational instability as well as other bony and soft tissue complexities. Minimally invasive plating offers many advantages over conventional open techniques. It causes minimal soft tissue dissection and surgical trauma to the bone. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis(MIPO) maintains biological configuration of distal tibia and fracture hematoma and also provides a construct, which is biomechanically more stable.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of results of MIPO in management of distal tibia fractures considering radiological union, ankle function restoration, and complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our study, 25 closed distal one-third tibia fracture with/without articular extension were taken, fulfilling the inclusion criteria (AO classification: 10, 43A1; 3, 43A2; 2, 43B1; 4, 43B2; and 6, 43C1). MIPO with locking plates was the treatment undertaken. Patients were followed up for 18 months prospectively.

RESULTS: Average injury-hospital interval was 11.16 hours and average injury-operation interval was 2.44 days. All fractures showed radiological union at an average duration of 20.5 weeks (14-28 weeks). Olerud and Molander score was used for evaluation at 3, 6, and 18 months. One patient had union with valgus angulation >5° but there was no nonunion. There was 1 superficial postoperative wound infection.

CONCLUSION: Our study shows that plating with MIPO is an effective treatment for closed distal one-third tibia fractures, considering union time and complications rate. Younger age promotes early union and functional recovery.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level II: Prospective.