Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis Using Locking Plates for AO 43–Type Fractures: Lessons Learnt From a Prospective Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 236-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajeev Shukla ◽  
Nikhil Jain ◽  
Ravi Kant Jain ◽  
Shravan Patidar ◽  
Vivek Kiyawat

Introduction. Managing fractures of distal tibia is still a subject of debate for orthopaedic surgeons in terms of both, reduction and fixation. Subcutaneous location and soft tissue anatomy predisposes it to angular and rotational instability as well as other bony and soft tissue complexities. Minimally invasive plating offers many advantages over conventional open techniques. It causes minimal soft tissue dissection and surgical trauma to the bone. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis(MIPO) maintains biological configuration of distal tibia and fracture hematoma and also provides a construct, which is biomechanically more stable. Objectives. Evaluation of results of MIPO in management of distal tibia fractures considering radiological union, ankle function restoration, and complications. Materials and Methods. In our study, 25 closed distal one-third tibia fracture with/without articular extension were taken, fulfilling the inclusion criteria (AO classification: 10, 43A1; 3, 43A2; 2, 43B1; 4, 43B2; and 6, 43C1). MIPO with locking plates was the treatment undertaken. Patients were followed up for 18 months prospectively. Results. Average injury-hospital interval was 11.16 hours and average injury-operation interval was 2.44 days. All fractures showed radiological union at an average duration of 20.5 weeks (14-28 weeks). Olerud and Molander score was used for evaluation at 3, 6, and 18 months. One patient had union with valgus angulation >5° but there was no nonunion. There was 1 superficial postoperative wound infection. Conclusion. Our study shows that plating with MIPO is an effective treatment for closed distal one-third tibia fractures, considering union time and complications rate. Younger age promotes early union and functional recovery. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level II: Prospective

Author(s):  
Prashant Kamble ◽  
Nandan Marathe ◽  
Sudhir Sharan ◽  
Ayush Sharma ◽  
Ashwin Sathe ◽  
...  

<p class="Body"><strong>Background : </strong>Distal tibia fractures or pilon fractures are usually the result of combined compressive and shearing forces, which may lead to instability of the metaphysis. Poor vascularity, lack of muscle cover and frequent intra-articular extension often make these fractures very challenging to manage. There are plenty of options available to treat a distal tibia fracture which includes intramedullary nailing, external fixation, open reduction and internal fixation and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO). The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of MIPO with respect to the healing of fracture site, the incidences of complications and to conclude whether MIPO circumvents the problems of formal open reduction and fixation with other implants.</p><p class="Body"><strong>Methods: </strong>A series of forty patients with fracture of the distal tibia on preoperative X-rays were treated with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis using pre-contoured locking plates from June 2014 to October 2018 and followed up at regular intervals with X-rays and monitoring for complications.</p><p class="Body"><strong>Result: </strong>The functional scores were evaluated using Teeny and Wiss clinical rating system for ankle joints. Thirty-two patients had an ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’ outcome. One patient was diagnosed with a soft tissue complication and delayed union and 3 patients were diagnosed with malunion without significant functional disability at follow up. <strong></strong></p><p class="Body"><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis with pre-contoured locking plates is associated with high union rate and good functional outcomes. It is an effective treatment modality for distal tibia fractures.</p>


2017 ◽  
Vol 107 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunus Imren ◽  
Engin Eren Desteli ◽  
Mehmet Erdil ◽  
Hasan Hüseyin Ceylan ◽  
Ibrahim Tuncay ◽  
...  

Background: The treatment of pilon tibia fractures is challenging. Anatomical reduction of the joint surface is essential. Excessive soft-tissue dissection may interfere with the blood supply and can result in nonunion. We sought to compare the outcomes of distal tibia fractures treated with medial locking plates versus circular external fixators. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 41 consecutive patients with closed pilon tibia fractures treated with either minimally invasive locking plate osteosynthesis (n = 21) or external fixation (EF) (n = 20). According to the Ruedi and Allgower classification, 23 fractures were type B and 18 were type C. Soft-tissue injury was evaluated according to the Oestern and Tscherne classification. Time to fracture union, complications, and functional outcomes were assessed annually for 3 years with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle score. Results: Mean ± SD values in the plate group were as follows: age, 42.4 ± 14 years; union time, 19.4 ± 2.89 weeks (range, 12–26 weeks); and AOFAS ankle scores, 86.4 ± 2.06, 79.5 ± 1.03, and 77.9 ± 0.80 at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Four patients in the plate group needed secondary bone grafting during follow-up. In the EF group (mean ± SD age, 40.7 ± 12.3 years), all of the patients achieved union without secondary bone grafting at a mean ± SD of 22.1 ± 1.7 weeks (range, 18–24 weeks). In the EF group, mean ± SD AOFAS ankle scores were 86.6 ± 1.69, 82.1 ± 0.77, and 79.7 ± 1.06 at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. There were no major complications. However, there were soft-tissue infections over the medial malleolus in five patients in the plate group and grade 1-2 pin-tract infections in 13 patients and grade 3 pin-tract infections in one patient in the EF group. Post-traumatic arthritis was detected in eight plate group patients and seven EF group patients. Conclusions: Minimally invasive plating and circular EF methods have favorable union rates with fewer complications.


Author(s):  
Anil Sharan ◽  
Johney Juneja ◽  
Raghvendra Choubisa ◽  
Nitin Jeenjwadia ◽  
A. K. Mehra ◽  
...  

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background: </strong>Treatment of distal tibia fractures poses significant challenge to orthopedic surgeon because of poor blood supply and paucity of soft tissue coverage. There is considerable controversy regarding the superior option of treatment for distal tibia fracture between the minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) technique and intramedullary interlocking (IMIL) nailing for extra-articular distal tibia fractures. The aim of our study is to compare the functional outcome between the two treatment methods.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This was the prospective comparative study of 50 patients with distal third tibia fractures divided into two groups. First group of patients were treated with MIPPO technique while second group of patients were managed by IMIL nailing. Patients were followed up in outpatient department to assess the functional outcomes, malunion, delayed union, non-union, superficial and deep infection between the two groups.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results: </strong>Average time taken by patients for full weight bearing in group A was 17.6 weeks as compared to 16.7 weeks in group B. All patients were able to bear weight prior to complete union of fracture. By the process of weight bearing, we believed that it would promote secondary bone healing. On taking X-rays during follow up of included patients starting of radiological union was observed carefully by looking for bridging callus, haziness of fracture line. Appearance of callus was taken average time of 12.5 weeks in group A and 12.1 weeks in group B.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Both procedures have shown the reliable method of fixation for distal extra-articular tibia fractures preserving the soft tissue, bony vascularity and fracture hematoma that provide a favourable biological environment for fracture healing. Considering the results of the study, we have slightly more preference for the MIPPO technique.</p>


Author(s):  
Manjunath Daragad ◽  
Shrihari L Kulkarni ◽  
Sunil Mannual ◽  
Sachin Kumar

Introduction: Fractures of distal tibia are difficult to treat as they are high energy fractures, associated with extremely damaged soft tissues, poor vascularity, high incidence of compound injuries, skin complications following surgery and comminution of the metaphysis and articular surface makes anatomical reduction difficult. A mechanically stable osteosynthesis can be obtained with minimum dissection and surgical trauma by Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPPO). In this technique fracture is reduced indirectly, and is fixed with Locking Compression Plate (LCP). Aim: To assess functional and radiological outcomes of distal tibial fractures managed by MIPPO using LCP. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 25 patients with distal tibia fractures were operated by LCP using MIPPO technique. Patients were followed-up at regular intervals for about one year. They were assessed clinically, functionally and with radiologically for fracture union. Functional assessment was done using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS) scoring system. Radiological outcome was evaluated using the Radiological Union Scale in Tibia Fracture (RUST) to assess union. Data was analysed using paired t-test. The chosen level of significance was p-value <0.05. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 was used for analysis. Results: Males were more commonly affected with Road Traffic Accident (RTA) being the most common mode of injury. All fractures healed with good functional outcome. Mean union time was 20 weeks. Mean AOFAS score at the end of one year was 88.83 (SD 5.65) and mean RUST score was 11.58 (SD 0.72) at the end of one-year follow-up, indicating good outcome. There was one case of superficial infection which was managed with antibiotics, one patient had implant failure. Conclusion: LCP using MIPPO offers biological advantage by preserving periosteal blood supply, which is particularly critical with distal tibia or pilon injury. Thus, fractures heal rapidly with very few complications.


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