Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis with locking plates for distal tibia fractures

Introduction: Distal tibia fractures are challenging injuries with multiple fixation options. Minimal invasive plating for distal tibia fracture is becoming more popular with documented good outcomes. Aim: To evaluate the functional and radiological results of fixation of distal tibia fractures with locking plates with Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique. Materials and Methods: Fifty fractures of distal tibia without Intra-articular extension were operated with locking compression plating with MIPO technique. They were followed up at regular intervals. Functional and radiological results were evaluated at the end on one year. Results: The fractures united in 48 (96%) patients with 2 (4%) cases of delayed union which took 30 weeks of time. Postoperatively, 2 patients developed superficial skin infection, 2 patients developed deep infection and 3 patients developed ankle stiffness due to loss of postoperative protocol and 4 patients had implant failure in form of screw breakage. Good amount of range of mobility of ankle joint was present in almost all patients. Conclusion: MIPO with locking plates for distal tibia fractures is associated with good functional outcomes and is an effective treatment for distal tibia fractures. Although, a larger sample of patients and longer follow up are required to fully evaluate this method of treatment, we strongly encourage its consideration in the treatment of such complex fractures.