Staged Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis of Distal Tibial Fractures

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess the result of staged minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for distal tibial fracture with an open wound or injured soft tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 20 patients (mean age, 47.8 year-old) with distal tibial fractures, there were 4 type A fractures and 16 type C fractures based on the AO classification system. Eight of the 20 patients had open fractures. MIPO was performed on average 23.9 days after bridging external fixation. At the final follow-up, we assessed the radiological results of bone union and alignment. Functional results were also evaluated by measuring the degrees of ankle motion and the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores. RESULTS: Seventeen of 20 cases (85%) achieved primary union at an average of 21.3 weeks. There were 3 cases of nonunion requiring a bone graft. The mean AOFAS score was 88.5 (range, 67~92) and the average range of ankle motion was 49.2degrees (plantarflexion 37.4degrees, dorsiflexion 11.8degrees). Complication included 2 cases of minor mal-alignment, 1 case of claw toe and 1 case of peroneal neuropathy. Patients over the age of 60 had lower functional results. Additional factors did not affect the final results. CONCLUSION: Staged MIPO may achieve satisfactory results in distal tibial fractures with soft tissue compromise, decreasing deep infections and soft tissue complications.