The prospective analysis of functional outcome of osteosynthesis of extra-articular distal tibia fractures using minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis technique

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Extra-articular distal tibial fractures are one of the most complicated ones to treat, specially comminuted fractures. Its subcutaneous nature and lack of adequate musculature makes it more prone for soft tissue damage and bone loss. The key to handle these troubling fractures is to skilfully preserve and reconstruct the soft tissues, early mobilisation and functional use of the extremity with the maintenance of satisfactory length and alignment of the fracture.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This prospective longitudinal study involved 30 patients with extraarticular distal tibia fracture, who are admitted in Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre between January 2017 to 2019. All were treated with closed reduction and internal fixation using pre-contoured anatomical distal tibia locking plate using minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) technique. Functional and radiological outcome along with associated complications are evaluated in serial follow up.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> 30 patients with minimal follow up criteria of 6 months was evaluated with AOFAS score for functional outcome. At the end of 1 year, 21 cases (70%) of the cases had excellent results, 5 cases (16.7%) had good results, 3 cases had fair results and only 1 case had poor result.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> With the use of pre-contoured anatomical locking plates used, MIPPO technique is effective in extra articular distal tibia fractures where it not only helps in decreasing operating time but also in achieving excellent functional outcome with radiological union the fractures by preserving osseous vascularity and minimal soft tissue insult due to surgery.</p>