Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) for Proximal and Distal Fractures of the Tibia

Introduction: The treatment of fractures of proximal and distaltibia is challenging, because of the possibility of soft tissuecomplications. The treatment of choice remains controversialand it depends on the fracture morphology, displacement andpresence of comminution. Options for the management ofthese fractures vary from closed reduction and cast applicationto open reduction and fixation with plate. Open reduction andplate osteosynthesis is associated with extensive dissectionand soft tissue complications in post-operative period. Weconducted a case series on management of these fractures byusing Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO)technique, which has the advantage of preservation of osseousand soft tissue vascularity.Methods: We conducted a prospective study on closedreduction and percutaneous plating by MIPO technique in 30cases (mean age 42.5 years; 23 males and 7 females) ofclosed fractures of tibia. 22 cases had proximal tibial fracturesand eight had distal tibial fractures. The mean time from injuryto surgery was 7.6 days.Results: Mean time for radiological union was 18 weeks(range: 14-24 weeks). Two patients had superficial operativesite infections, which were managed with oral antibiotics andregular dressings. One patient with proximal tibia fracturedeveloped a non-union, which was treated with bone grafting.Conclusions: In closed peri-articular fractures of the tibia,favourable results can be achieved by MIPO technique.Principles of MIPO technique like minimal soft tissuedissection, closed and indirect reduction, biological fixation andearly mobilization have to be followed for a favourablefunctional outcome.

Analysis of the Result Treated with Locking Compression Plate-Distal Tibia and Zimmer Periarticular Locking Plate in Distal Tibia Fracture

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of minimally invasive plate, osteosynthesis, using either a locking compression plate-distal tibia (LCP-DT) or Zimmer periarticular locking plate (ZPLP) for distal tibia fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty one patients (51 cases), who underwent minimally invasive osteosynthesis using locking compression plate for distal tibia fractures between October 2008 and August 2011, were followed for more than six months. Eighteen patients were treated with LCP-DT and 33 patients with ZPLP. Time to bony union and anatomic alignment were evaluated radiologically. Clinically, American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scales (AOFAS score) and range of ankle motion were assessed and compared between two groups. RESULTS: All patients achieved bony union at an average of 18 weeks on LCP-DT group and 16weeks on ZPLP group. The average American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scales was 83.3 points on the LCP-DT group, 84.6 points on the ZPLP group, and range of ankle motion averaged at 45 degrees, 48 degrees, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both types of locking compression plates were effective when performing minimally invasive osteosynthesis for distal tibia fractures.

Comparative Analysis of Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis Using Periarticular Plate and Intramedullary Nailing in Distal Tibial Metaphyseal Fractures

PURPOSE: To compare results between minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis using a periarticular plate and intramedullary nailing in distal tibial metaphyseal fractures in two treatment groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-one cases of distal tibial metaphyseal fractures from December 2008 to December 2009 were evaluated. The minimal follow-up period was 12 months. Thirty patients treated by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis using a periarticular plate were Group A; 31 patients treated by intramedullary nailing were Group B. We compared and analyzed the results of each group by radiological and clinical assessments. RESULTS: The mean bony union time was 16.4 weeks in Group A and 17.2 weeks in Group B. The mean operation time was 45 minutes in Group A and 48 minutes in Group B. The mean radiation exposure times were 4.2 minutes and 4.8 minutes, respectively. VAS scores were 0.7 points and 0.5 points in each respective group. In Group A, the VAS score was 1.7 points when we applied pressure on the skin around the plate. The mean Olerud and Molander Ankle Score was 87.4 points and 86.3 points, respectively. A superficial wound infection occurred in 1 case in each group, and angular deformities more than 5 degrees occurred in 2 Group B cases. CONCLUSION: No significant differences in results were observed between the two groups. However, a higher incidence of angular deformity was seen in the intramedullary nailing group. Therefore, we must be careful during surgery.

Biomechanical study on the novel minimally invasive anterior anatomic locking plate for mid-distal humeral shaft fractures / 医用生物力学

Objective To test the mechanical properties of a self-developed novel anterior mid-distal humerus anatomic locking plate (hereinafter referred to as the new plate) and to improve its design to provide theoretical support for its clinical application. Methods Twenty intact humerus from embalmed human cadavers were obtained and used for the biomechanical test on mid-distal humeral shaft fracture models by using the new plate (group A) and 4.5 mm LC DCP（limited contact dynamic compression plate）(group B), respectively. Both groups were compared under axial compression, medial-lateral bending, medial-lateral three-point bending and external rotation torque. Results The stiffness, strength and stress shielding of the new plate for mid-distal humeral shaft fractures under four different loads were superior to those of 4.5 mm LC-DCP, and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05). Conclusions The new plate can satisfy the requirements of physical training at early stage for fixed mid-distal humeral shaft fractures, which gives great clinical values.

Axial Malalignment after Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis in Distal Femur Fractures with Metaphyseal Comminution / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We wanted to report on the functional results and the presence of axial malalignment after performing minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in distal femur fractures with metaphyseal comminution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2007 and June 2009, fifteen patients with distal femur fractures and metaphyseal comminution were treated with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis, and they were followed for a mean of 17.0 months (range: 12-40 months). The fractures according to the AO/OTA classification were two cases of 33A and thirteen cases of 33C, and seven cases were open fracture. We analyzed the axial malalignment and functional results according to bone union and Sanders' score. RESULTS: All the fractures were united without a bone graft after a mean of 20.4 weeks (range: 16-26 weeks) after the definitive plate fixation. One case had superficial infection and a stiff knee. The average ROM of the knee was 123.6degrees. The average Sanders' score was 33.0, and the results were five cases of excellent results, eight cases of good results and two cases of fair results. There was axial malalignment such as varus malunion in 3 cases and valgus malunion in 2 cases and the average shortening of the limb length was 7.9 mm (range: 0.3-21.9 mm). CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in a distal femur fracture with metaphyseal comminution provides satisfactory outcomes. However, this should be approached with caution because of the possibility of axial malalignment.

Management of Fractures of Distal Tibia by Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis through an Anterior Approach / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate functional results and complications after minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis through an anterior approach for distal tibial fractures, including pilon fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2007 and December 2008, thirteen patients with fractures of the distal tibia were treated with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis through an anterior approach, and were followed for a mean of 16.2 months (range, 12-30 months). Fractures according to the AO/OTA classification were six 43A, four 43B and three 43C. We analyzed functional results by bone union, postoperative complications, and the Olerud and Molander ankle scoring system. RESULTS: All fractures were united after a mean of 15.7 weeks (range, 12 to 24 weeks) except one case. There were 2 cases of superficial wound infection, one case of fibular shortening and metal failure, and two cases of tibialis anterior tendon adhesion. The average functional score was 79 points (range, 35-95 points) and results were four excellent, six good and three fair. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis through an anterior approach may be used for distal tibial fracture with medial soft tissue injury, and has an advantage in that the metaphyseal and distal articular fracture are fixed at the same time through a single incision However, it should be approached with caution because of the risk of complications due to the anterior approach, such as iatrogenic injury of the tibialis anterior tendon.

Comparative Study Using of Treatment with Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis Using Periarticular Plate and Interlocking Intramedullary Nailing in Distal Tibia Fractures

PURPOSE: To compare the result of treatment between minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) using periarticular plate and intramedullary nailing in treatment of distal tibia fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 28 cases of distal tibia fractures form Jan. 2006 to Mar. 2008 were divided into two group. Minimum follow-up was for 12 month. Group 1 consisted of 14 patients who were treated by MIPO technique and group 2 consisted of 14 patients who were treated by interlocking intramedullary nailing. The results were compared by assessing radiologic and clinical result. RESULTS: The mean bony union time was 14 weeks (8~17) in group 1 and 15 weeks (11~20) in group 2. Operation time was 58 minutes (55~65) in group 1 and 82.7 minutes (70~100) in group 2. The average angulation in AP view was 1.5 degrees (0~2) in group 1 and 2 degrees (0~5) in group 2, in lateral view was 1.8 degrees (0~4) in group 1 and 2.3 degrees (0~12) in group 2. The average range of motion for dorsi flextion was 17.5 degrees (15~20) in group 1 and 18 degrees (16~20) in group 2, for plantar flextion was 45 degrees (42~50) in group 1 and 44 degrees (42~50) in group 2, which means that there were no severe limitation of motion in all patients, resulting in satisfactory ambulation. There was no post operative complications such as skin irritation problem caused by internal device and no implant failure and superficial wound infection. CONCLUSION: There were no difference in bony union time, clinical result and anatomical reduction between Group 1 and Group 2 in distal tibia fractures, but operation time was shorter in MIPO than nailing.

A Comparison between Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis & Interlocking Intramedullary Nailing in Distal Tibia Fractures

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness between minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) and interlocking IM nailing in the treatment of distal tibia fracture without involvement of ankle joint retrospectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 38 patients with distal tibia fracture from Jan. 2004 to Oct. 2005 were divided into two groups. Minimum follow-up was for 12 months. Group MIPO consisted of 18 patients were treated with MIPO and group Nail consisted of 20 patients were treated with interlocking intramedullary nail. The results were compared between two groups by assessing bony union time and operation time. Clinical evaluation was evaluated by Olerud score. RESULTS: The mean bony union time was 14.4 weeks (12~17 weeks) in group MIPO and 16.7 weeks (13~19 weeks) in group Nail (p=0.011). The mean operation time was 1.05 hours (0.6~1.6 hours) in group MIPO and 0.74 hours (0.4~1.1 hours) in group Nail (p=0.044). The Olerud score was 83.8 (75~100) in group MIPO and was 89.6 (70~100) in group Nail (p=0.075). In Complication, group MIPO showed one metal failure and two skin irritations, group Nail showed three superficial wound infections. CONCLUSION: MIPO was the shorter bony union time and the longer operation time than the interlocking intramedullary nailing. There were no significant differences between the two groups in clinical results.

Lateral Plate Fixation of Distal Tibial Metaphyseal Fracture Using Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis Technique

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficiency of lateral plate fixation using minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique as a treatment of distal tibial metaphyseal fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among the patient who were treated from March, 2002 to September, 2004, the cases of twenty patients with distal tibial metaphyseal fracture treated by lateral plate fixation using MIPO technique who were able to be followed up for at least one-year period were reviewed in this study. According to AO/OTA classification, five were type A1, twelve cases were type A2 and other three cases were type A3, and among them two cases were open fracture type I according to the Gustillo-Anderson classification. Radiologic studies and clinical assessment described by Daniel et al and complication following the treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: At a mean of 16.4 weeks (range 11 to 23), all fractures united without secondary procedures. According to clinical assessment, all cases had good and excellent result, and there were no complications. CONCLUSION: The lateral plate fixation using MIPO technique of distal tibial metaphyseal fracture is an efficient method of treatment with high functional recovery rate which minimize soft tissue damage, decreases the risk of infection and incidence of nonunion at the same time as the classic MIPO technique does, and it is a useful alternative method when there is a anteromedial soft tissue damage.

Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis in Unstable Fractures of the Distal Tibia

PURPOSE: evaluate the effectiveness of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) in unstable fractures of the distal tibia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2001 to December 2003, 21 cases with unstable fractures of the distal tibia were treated with MIPO technique and followed for at least one year. Eighteen cases were extra-articular and three cases were intra-articular fractures. According to AO classification, six cases were 42-A, four 42-B, one 42-C, seven 43-A, and three 43-C. There was only one case of Gustilo-Anderson type II open fracture. We reviewed the results of fracture healing, axial and rotational deformity, ankle motion, and complications RESULTS: All fractures were healed in an average of 16.1 weeks (range, 11 to 24 weeks). There was only one case of 7-degree posterior angular deformity, but no cases of rotational malalignment. Recovery of ankle motion was satisfactory in all patients within 5-degree loss of motion. Subcutaneous abscess was developed in one case after fracture healing and cured by a drainage with implant removal. CONCLUSION: Although MIPO technique is technically more demanding than the traditional open technique, MIPO technique is an effective method for unstable fractures of the distal tibia because it minimizes incidence of soft-tissue compromise and infection and provides good fracture healing.