J Korean Fract Soc.  2011 Jan;24(1):33-40. 10.12671/jkfs.2011.24.1.33.

Minimally Invasive Osteosynthesis with Locking Compression Plate for Distal Tibia Fractures

• Kim SK
• Lee KB
• Lim KY
• Moon ES

• KMID: 1449414
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2011.24.1.33

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the outcome of minimally invasive osteosynthesis using locking compression plate for distal tibia fractures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Forty five patients (45 cases) who underwent minimally invasive osteosynthesis using locking compression plate for distal tibia fractures between January 2006 and June 2008, were followed for more than one year. The average duration of the follow-up was 30.5 months (12~54 months). The fracture types were as followed: 26 cases (58%) of extraarticular fractures, 19 cases (42%) of intraarticular fractures, and 16 cases (36%) of open fractures.
RESULTS
All patients achieved bone union at average of 21weeks (12~36 weeks). The average American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scales was 84.6 points (65~100 points) and range of ankle motion averaged at 46.5 degrees (20~60 degrees). Complications included 6 cases of superficial infection, 3 cases of malalignment and 5 cases of skin irritation by plate. There were no cases of deep infection, skin necrosis, shortening and metal breakage.
CONCLUSION
Minimally invasive osteosynthesis using locking compression plate for distal tibia fractures is considered to be an effective method with high healing rate, rapid functional recovery and low complication rate due to minimal disruption of bone and soft tissue biology and improved fixation strength.

Keyword

Distal tibia fracture; Locking compression plate; Minimally invasive osteosynthesis

MeSH Terms

Animals
Ankle
Biology
Follow-Up Studies
Foot
Humans
Intra-Articular Fractures
Necrosis
Orthopedics
Skin
Tibia
Weights and Measures

Figure

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  Fig. 1 (A~C) Preoperative radiographs and 3-dimensional computed tomography of a 39 year-old man shows a distal tibia and fibular fractures classified as the AO/OTA type C2. (D) The operation was delayed 5 days because of severe soft tissue swelling. (E, F) The distal tibia fracture was stabilized with the LCP metaphyseal plate using minimal invasive technique. (G, H) Postoperative radiographs shows successful union with a good alignment at 14 months after surgery.

• 

  Fig. 2 (A) A 50 year-old man sustained distal tibia and fibular fractures classified as the AO/OTA type C2. (B) Immediate postoperative anteroposterior radiograph shows 13 degrees of valgus malalignment. (C) At 4 months postoperatively, radiograph shows bone union. (D) At 17 months postoperatively, patient had good functional outcome without further progression of valgus malalignment.

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