Two-staged Delayed Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Plate Osteosynthesis for Distal Tibial Open Fractures

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of distal tibial open fractures treated by two-staged delayed minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 25 cases of distal tibial open fractures were treated with temporary ring fixation and two-staged delayed MIPPO. A mean age was 46 years old, follow-up was 23 months. The type of fracture was evaluated using the AO/OTA classification. The type of open fracture was evaluated using the Gustilo-Anderson classification that revealed 6 cases of type I, 9 cases of type II, 8 cases of type IIIA and 2 cases of type IIIB. We analyzed the radiologic results and postoperative complications. The clinical and functional result were evaluated by using Teeny and Wiss scores. RESULTS: The average time of bone union was 18 weeks in 24 cases. There were three delayed union that achieved union twenty weeks after second operation, and 1 case underwent bone graft with additional plate fixation. 6 cases of skin necrosis were treated with skin graft, 2 cases were treated with flap. The clinical and functional assessment showed that 6 cases were excellent, 16 cases were good, 2 cases were fair, and 1 case were poor results. CONCLUSION: Two-staged MIPPO technique for distal tibia open fractures seems to be a good procedure to obtain bone union.