Result of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with use of locking plate in fracture tibia distal end

Abstract

Background: The fractures of distal tibia including tibial pilon pose a great challenge to the surgeon due to subcutaneous location, scarcity of blood supply and paucity of soft tissue coverage. Minimal invasive plating osteosynthesis (MIPO) has evolved as a newer concept to treat distal tibial fractures with minimal articular comminution and minimal soft tissue damage. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the results of MIPO technique with use of a locking plate in fracture tibia distal end.

Method: During the study period of two years, total 45 cases of closed distal tibial fractures (Diaphyseal and metaphyseal region) were operated by MIPO technique with a distal tibial anatomical locking plate (3.5 and 4.5 mm). They were followed up at regular intervals and results were evaluated.

Results: The age of the patients ranged from 20-60 years with the majority (19; 42.22%) of them being in the age of 40-50 years. The most common mode of injury was road traffic accident (33; 73.33%). In all patients MIPO was performed, in none of them, fracture site was opened. Mobilization of adjacent joints was carried out mostly from second to fourth postoperative day. Most of the fractures united between 10-12 weeks (26; 57.77%). On analyzing the results of MIPO, excellent results were seen in 66.66% cases and 33.34% had satisfactory results.

Conclusion: Hereby we concluded that though various modalities of treatment of fractures of the distal tibia are present MIPO seem to be better technique if done under skillful guidance as done in this study.