European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Distal tibial fractures are one of the most complex injuries around the ankle joint, accounting for approximately 7% of all tibial fractures. Fractures of the distal tibial metaphysis with or without intra-articular extension can present a management challenge because of their inherent instability, scarcity of soft tissues, subcutaneous nature and poor vascularity of bone
Methods: This was a retrospective study of 30 patients to evaluate the functional and radiological results of Locking Compression Plate (LCP) osteosynthesis in distal tibial fractures using Minimal Invasive Percutaneous Plate Osteosynthesis Technique (MIPPO) .
Results: There were 30 patients in the study including 10 males and 20 female of mean age 45 years. The mean follow up period of our patients varied ranging from 10 months to 24 months (average– 18 months). All fractures united at an average of 18 weeks (range- 16 to 24 weeks) except two cases of delayed union(>20 weeks) .There were 2 superficial wound infections  and one case of deep infection which were treated with oral antibiotics and progressed to union and there were no failures of implant.  No other complications like deformities, compartment syndrome, non-union, implant irritation/skin impingement or implant failure were seen in our study. There was full range of motion patient except for two patients with restriction of plantar flexion. Two patients had mild pain on walking. 
Conclusions: The above study shows that MIPO technique is a safe, effective method to treat distal third tibia fractures with good radiological and functional outcome . The use of indirect reduction techniques and small incision is technically demanding as it is effective, minimally invasive, optimises the operation time, promotes early healing and reduces the incidence of infections