Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) for Distal Tibial Metaphyseal Fracture: A Better Option

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the radiological and functional outcomes in of treatment of fracture distal tibial metaphysis fixed with pre-contoured anatomical locking compression plate using minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted at Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Services Hospital Lahore. Total of 58 closed distal tibial metaphyseal fractures (AO classification 43A) included in the study. All patients were operated using anatomical LCP with MIPO technique. The functional outcome was assessed by Tenny & Wiss criteria at 6 weekly intervals with final scoring at 24th week. Functional outcome was graded as excellent, good, fair and poor. Similarly, radiological outcome was also assessed at 6 week intervals using Hammer et al criteria and grade 3 labelled as union. Results: We observed excellent functional outcome in 48 patients (82.6%) and good outcome in 6(10.34%) at last follow-up. Radiological union was achieved in 100% (58) patients at 24th week. The average time of union was 16.5 weeks with a range of 12 to 23 weeks. Total 03 patients (5.17%) developed superficial wound infection which was successfully managed with antibiotic therapy and no surgical site deep infection reported. Conclusion: Results of this study advocate that treatment of distal tibial metaphyseal fractures with LCP by MIPPO technique is an effective modality resulting in low complication rate, high union rates and good functional outcome.