Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis for Proximal Tibial Shaft Fracture

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report the results of patients treated by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for proximal tibial shaft fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2003 to June 2008, thirty-two patients with proximal tibial shaft fractures weretreated by MIPO. There were 22 men and 10 women and mean age was 43.8 years (range; 21~72 years). Follow-up was available for all patients and the mean follow-up period was 19.5 months (range; 12~40 months). Duration of union, range of knee motion and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (90.6%) healed after the MIPO technique. The mean duration of radiographic union was 18.3 weeks (range; 10~28 weeks). The mean range of knee motion was 134 degrees at the last follow-up. There were 1 non-union, 2 delayed unions, 1 superficial infection, 1 deep infection, 2 malunions with more than 5 degrees of malalignment and 14 cases of skin irritation by plate. CONCLUSION: MIPO is an effective treatment for closed, proximal tibialshaft fractures. More aggressive treatment such as dual plating should be considered in fractures with severe comminution or bone loss.