Surgical technique for biological fixation of closed segmental tibial fractures by the Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS).

INTRODUCTION: This prospective case series study aimed to assess the value of the Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS) to treat closed Segmental Tibial Fractures (STFs) using a proposed surgical technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2010 and January 2014, 21 consecutive recently (within 1 week) closed STFs that matched the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Patients were treated with the 13-hole LISS plate. All patients were followed up every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, then every month for the rest of the first 6 months and then every 6 months thereafter. Patients were assessed radiologically during the follow-up appointments and clinically at the final visit by the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) to evaluate the result.

RESULTS: The mean time to union of the proximal fracture was 15.72 ± 2.78 (range: 12-20) weeks and for the distal fracture was 20 ± 2.22 (range: 16-24) weeks, excluding delayed union in three patients. All patients except the three showed radiological observable callus in a mean duration of 4.95 (range: 3-7) weeks. The mean final follow-up LEFS was 72.4 (range: 60-80).

CONCLUSION: The mean time to union of the proximal fracture was shorter than the distal fracture. The use of LISS to treat closed STFs using the proposed surgical technique has proved to give favorable results. Further studies using the described technique are needed to justify the achieved results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV (Prospective case series).