Medial Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Plate Osteosynthesis in Proximal Tibial Comminuted Fractures

Abstract

Purpose: This goal of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of proximal tibial comminuted fractures treated with medial minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO). Materials and Methods: We evaluated 43 patients who underwent medial MIPPO from February 2008 to February 2012 and were followed up for more than one year. According to the AO/OTA classification, there were 30 patients of 41-A3 and 13 patients of 41-C2. Thirty-six patients had closed fractures and seven patients had open fractures. We assessed clinical outcomes, radiologic results and postoperative complications. Results: All fractures were united at an average of 18.3±8.1 weeks except three patients with nonunion. According to Schatzker and Lambert assessment, excellent results were achieved for 22 patients and good results were achieved for 21 patients. The average tibial plateau angle was 89.1±2.7 and the average posterior tibial slope angle was 10.5±4.6. In assessment of lower limb alignment, the average femorotibial angle was 175.1±2.9 and the mean deviation of mechanical axis was 46.5%±12.7%. In terms of complications, three patients had nonunion, but complete bony union was achieved by autogenous cancellous bone grafting. Seven patients complained of skin irritation around the plate. However, there was no skin necrosis, infection, or limited range of motion in seven patients with skin irritation. Conclusion: Medial MIPPO for proximal tibial comminuted fractures provides favorable clinical outcomes and good radiological alignments.