The outcome of minimally invasive distal tibia plating in a case of an extra articular distal tibia fracture

Abstract

Background: Aim was to delineate the functional and radiological outcome of minimally invasive distal tibia plating in a case of extra-articular distal tibia fracture using contoured 4.5 DCP plate and long periosteal elevators. Methods: The study was conducted on patients who were diagnosed with extra-articular distal tibia fractures and underwent minimally invasive distal tibia plating in the Department of Orthopaedics, KEM hospital Parel Mumbai from March 2020 till June 2021. Participants were evaluated for functional outcome using the AOFAS score at minimum of 6 months postop, time to full radiological union and time to partial and full unaided weight-bearing was calculated based on follow up OPD visits at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Results: Of the 30 participants involved in the study the average period of follow up was 8.47 months, the mean AOFAS score was 89.67, mean time to partial weight bearing was 6.13 weeks. And the mean time to full unaided weight bearing was 10.17 weeks, and the average time to complete radiological union was 17.03 weeks. One patient developed superficial wound complication which was managed with antibiotics and dressing. No patient developed deep infection osteomyelitis and non-union. Conclusions: minimal invasive plate osteosynthesis with contoured 4.5 dynamic compression plate can be successfully used for fixation of extra articular distal tibia fractures with minimal soft tissue compromise and wound complications and excellent results.