ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficiency of the minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) with locking compression plate (LCP) for distal tibial metaphyseal intra-articular fracture compared with extra-articular fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2006 to June 2008, 21 patients with distal tibia metaphyseal intra-articular fracture and 20 patients with extra-articular fracture were treated operatively by MIPPO technique with LCP and followed for at least one year. In the group with intra-articular fracture, mean age was 48.85 years old and a mean follow-up was 15 months. In the other group with extra-articular fracture, mean age was 52.35 years old and a mean follow-up was 14.5 months. The type of fracture was evaluated using the AO/OTA classification and open-fractures were according to the Gustilo-And gron classification. Radiologic evaluation with fracture healing and tibial alignment, clinical evaluation with Olerud and Molander ankle score and restriction of motion were done for treatment. RESULTS: According to AO/OTA classification, There were 21 type A, 15 type B, 5 type C. Average union time of the intra-articular fracture (type B, C) was 18.7 weeks. Average union time of the extra-articular fracture (type A) was 17.1 weeks. All fractures were healed without malunion. There were no difference of mean restriction angle between intra-articular fracture (ankle dorsiflexion was 3.57 degree, plantar-flexion was 5.95 degree) and extra-articular fracture (ankle dorsiflexion was 3 degree, plantar-flexion was 3.75 degree). There were no difference of Olerud and Molander ankle score between them as a mean score of intra-articular and extra-articular was 89.25, 91.25 each other. As a complication, there were 3 case of skin necrosis, 8 case of discomfortable skin tenting by plate and 1 superficial infection, but could be healed by conservative care. CONCLUSION: MIPPO technique, combined articular reduction, with LCP of distal tibial metaphyseal fracture was a good method with high functional recovery.