Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis of tibial fracture using self-navigated plate

Abstract

This study aims to introduce a self-navigated plate, which is characterized by the presence of a groove at each end of the plate, in treating tibial fractures. The plate is inserted subperiosteally across the fracture line when the fracture is effectively reduced. A second plate of the same is then placed over the subcutaneous one and serves as a guide for percutaneous insertion of screws through the holes of subperiosteal plate into the bones to secure the fracture. Seven patients with tibial shaft fractures were treated by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) using this plate. The average operative time was 47 min, and the average fluoroscopy time was 19 s. All fractures healed from 3 to 6 months postoperatively, and excellent functional recovery was observed in all patients. In conclusion, the economical-friendly self-navigated plate is a good and effective alternative fixation method in treating tibia fractures by MIPO.