Original Articles
To evaluate the functional result of distal tibia fractures treated with locking compression plates utilizing the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) approach | |
Dr. Rajesh Kumar Ranjan, Dr. Amaresh Kumar, Dr.(Prof) Bharat Singh, Dr. Rajeev Anand | |
Aim: To evaluate the functional result of distal tibia fractures treated with locking compression plates utilizing the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) approach. Material and methods: This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital over a period of one year and included 80 patients who met the inclusion criteria.Patients aged 18 years and older.Patients diagnosed with closed distal tibia fractures confirmed by radiographic evidence.Patients eligible for surgical intervention using LCP and MIPO technique.Patients and their guardians who provided written informed consent to participate in the study.The primary outcome measure was the rate of fracture union, defined as the presence of bridging callus on radiographs and the absence of pain or tenderness at the fracture site.Secondary outcome measures included functional outcomes assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, complications such as infection, hardware irritation, and nonunion, time to union measured from the day of surgery to the confirmation of clinical and radiological union, and length of hospital stay from the day of admission to discharge. Results: The mean preoperative AOFAS score was 45 ± 12, indicating a significant impairment in function prior to surgery. At six months post-surgery, the mean AOFAS score improved to 85 ± 14, representing an 88.89% improvement. This substantial enhancement in functional outcomes underscores the effectiveness of the MIPO technique in restoring limb function and improving the quality of life for patients with distal tibia fractures.The most common complication was infection, occurring in 5% (4 patients) of the cases. Hardware irritation was reported in 3.75% (3 patients), while nonunion was observed in 2.5% (2 patients). Nail migration, another potential issue, was seen in 3.75% (3 patients). These complication rates are consistent with existing literature, indicating that the MIPO technique is associated with a low incidence of adverse outcomes. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study reinforces the efficacy and safety of the MIPO technique with LCP for distal tibia fractures. The high rates of fracture union, significant functional improvements, and low complication rates observed in this study underscore the benefits of this minimally invasive approach, making it a preferred option for managing these challenging fractures. |
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