Tibial fracture treated by minimally invasive plating using a novel low-cost, high-technique system

Abstract

The less invasive stabilization system (LISS) can effectively treat tibial fractures. However, the LISS is technically demanding, has a long learning curve, and presents a heavy economic burden to patients. The U-grooved locking compression plate (U-LCP), characterized by a U-groove at each end, is designed to treat tibial fractures. This paper reports the outcomes of tibial fractures treated using the U-LCP compared with the LISS. Seventy-eight patients with unilateral tibial fractures treated with either the U-LCP (group I) or LISS (group II) were enrolled. In group I, a U-LCP was inserted subcutaneously with two Kirschner wires embedded into the U-grooves to temporarily secure the plate. A second identical plate was placed over the first to guide screw insertion. In group II, the LISS was used to fix the tibial fractures. Patient age, sex, fracture type, severity of soft tissue injury, operative time, fluoroscopic time, complications, and functional recovery of affected limbs were recorded. The two groups were comparable in age, sex, fracture type, and severity of soft tissue injury (p > 0.05). The average operation and fluoroscopic times in group I were significantly less than those in group II (p < 0.05). At follow-up, all fractures healed. There were no significant differences between both groups in time to bony union, wound complication rate, or functional recovery of injured limbs (p > 0.05). The U-LCP can yield good outcomes in the treatment of proximal tibial fractures, with less radiation exposure, a shorter operation time, and a sustainable price compared with the LISS.