MINIMAL INVASIVE PLATE OSTEOSYNTHESIS OF CLOSE FRACTURES OF DISTAL TIBIA

Authors

  • Ghulam Shabbir
  • Shujaat Hussain
  • Zulfiqar Ahmad Nasir
  • Kamran Shafi
  • Javeid Ahmed Khan

Abstract

Background: The limited soft tissue, subcutaneous location and poor vascularity render the tibialfractures very challenging. Treatment of distal tibial fractures using minimally invasive plateosteosynthesis (MIPO) technique may minimise damage to soft tissues and the vascular integrityof bony fragments, leaving comminuted fragments out of the mechanical construct, preserving softtissues with limited operative exposure. This descriptive study was conducted to assess theoutcome of patients treated with MIPO technique for distal tibial fractures. Methods: Seventythree cases of multifragmentary fractures of the distal tibia admitted in Bahawal VictoriaHospitals, Bahawalpur between April 2009 and October 2010 were included in this study.Patient’s outcome in terms of period of radiologic union of the fractured segments and period offull weight bearing capacity were accessed. Results: There were 66 males and 7 females of meanage 43 years. The mean follow-up period was 13 weeks. (Ranging from 9–16 weeks). All patientswere fully weight bearing at 16 weeks (ranging 9–16 weeks) showing radiological union. Therewere two superficial infections treated successfully using oral antibiotics and no failures offixation. There were no cases of rotational malalignment. Conclusion: MIPO is an effectivemethod of treatment for distal tibial fractures. The use of indirect reduction techniques and smallincisions is technically demanding but decreases surgical trauma to soft tissues.Keywords: Distal tibial fractures, Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis, MIPO

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Published

2011-06-01