Abstract:
Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcome and advantages of the Percutaneous plate fixation for complex distal tibial fractures using locking compression plate- distal tibial plate (LCP-DTP).
Design: This is a prospective case series study
Setting: Urban, level I trauma center.
Patients and methods: 27 adult patients; who met the inclusion criteria; with closed traumatic distal tibia with or without fibular fractures were treated using minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis MIPO technique with LCP-DTP. According to the AO fracture classification, there were 12 AO 43A fractures, 15 AO 43B fractures. The fibula was fractured in 15 patients and it was fixed in all of them.
Main outcome measurements: Peri-operative complications following percutaneous fixation of the distal tibia as infection, deformity, leg length discrepancy, ankle joint function, bony union and metal failure within one year after surgery.
Results: This study included 27 adult patients with traumatic fracture distal third tibia, 21 of them were males and 6 females. They were followed up for a period ranging from 14 to 19 months with an average of 16. None of the patients developed early peri-operative complications. Deep venous thrombosis occurred in 3 patients, who were treated medically, residual loss of a few degrees ankle motion in 6 and late infection related to the proximal screws was also observed in 3 obese uncontrolled diabetic patients. Union was achieved in all of them within 12- 20 weeks with an average of 16.
Conclusions: MIPO for the distal tibia using the LCP-DTP is safe and effective in the treatment of complex distal tibial fractures.