Introduction: Minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) has emerged as a viable alternative for the treatment of distal tibial fractures. However, the clinical outcomes of this procedure compared to intramedullary (IM) nail fixation have yet to be established. The present meta-analysis aims to compare the clinical outcomes following MIPPO and IM nail fixation for closed distal tibial fractures.Methods: MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched from date of inception to 10th April 2017. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing MIPPO with IM nail fixation for closed and Gustilo Grade I distal tibial fractures were included. Outcomes assessed included time to union, complications and functional outcomes. Quality and risk of bias of the RCTs were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Tool.Results: Five RCTs comprising 497 patients were included. MIPPO was associated with a longer time to union (MD: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.26, 1.90, p = 0.010, I 2 = 84%) and increased risk of wound complications (RR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.46, p = 0.04, I 2 = 0%). Both MIPPO and IM nail fixation had comparable risks of malunion, delayed union, non-union and deep infections, with similar functional outcomes.Discussion: Compared to IM nail fixation, a MIPPO fixation technique for distal tibial fractures is associated with a longer time to fracture union and an increased risk of wound complications. Neither technique demonstrates a clear advantage with regard to risk of malunion/non-union, or functional outcome. Assuming equivalent surgical expertise with both techniques, the results suggest that IM nail fixation is the treatment modality of choice for these challenging fractures.