Use of mini-fragment plates in fracture fixation

Abstract

Background: Over the last two decades improved research in basic sciences has resulted in a better understanding of pathomechanics of skeletal injury. Today we have modern implants and instrumentation which can allow fracture fixation while minimizing soft tissue trauma. The use of mini fragment low profile locking plates is one such technique that is now increasingly being used to implement fragment specific fracture fixation in skeletal injuries. Methods: At our level III military trauma centre we introduced the use of mini fragment plates in all types of fracture types in 2019 and over the next twelve months we prospectively recorded data of 44 fracture cases of various long and small bones. We have used these plates with different objectives in various intraarticular, metaphyseal or diaphyseal fractures in a manner to augment, supplement or substitute the use of larger implants. We have described the exact method of use in each case. Results: Out of 44 cases in 42 we achieved fracture union with no loss of reduction and in one case there was a failure of fixation and in one case infected nonunion. Conclusion: Mini-fragment plates are a very efficient tool available to carry out reduction and fixation of many fracture types and should be kept as a part of instrumentation and implant set for all cases of fracture fixation.