Outcome of Minimally Invasive Locked Plate in Management of Proximal Tibial Fracture

Abstract

Background: Proximal tibia being a prime component of knee joint, which is vital for weight bearing and mobility. Because of its superficial location and vulnerable position, proximal tibia is frequently injured, more frequently in road traffic accidents (RTA). Open reduction and internal fixation with plate can result in extensive devitalization of soft tissue leading to wound healing problems. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) is a new technique which is becoming widely accepted for treatment of proximal tibial fractures. Objective: To evaluate functional and radiological outcome of fixation of proximal tibial fracture by minimal invasive plate osteosynthesis. Patients and methods: A prospective analysis of 12 patients with proximal tibial fracture. The right side was affected in 8 patients and left side in 4 patients, all of patients treated by MIPO technique by LCP. The patients were assed clinically by Rasmussen score post-operatively. Results: Functional evaluation was performed according to the criteria described by Rasmussen score. 7 cases (58.33%) had excellent result, 4 patients (33.33%) had good results and 1 patient (8.33%) had fair results. No patient had poor result. Conclusion: Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for proximal tibia fractures achieved good radiological and functional outcome. There was minimal soft tissue damage and minimal disruption of blood supply to fracture ends. The fractures treated with pure bridge plating and combined principle of compression and bridge plating healed rapidly by secondary fracture union