Purpose: To evaluate the efficiency of lateral plate fixation using minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique as a treatment of distal tibial metaphyseal fracture.
Materials and Methods: Among the patient who were treated from March, 2002 to September, 2004, the cases of twenty patients with distal tibial metaphyseal fracture treated by lateral plate fixation using MIPO technique who were able to be followed up for at least one-year period were reviewed in this study. According to AO/OTA classification, five were type A1, twelve cases were type A2 and other three cases were type A3, and among them two cases were open fracture type I according to the Gustillo-Anderson classification. Radiologic studies and clinical assessment described by Daniel et al and complication following the treatment were evaluated.
Results: At a mean of 16.4 weeks (range 11 to 23), all fractures united without secondary procedures. According to clinical assessment, all cases had good and excellent result, and there were no complications.
Conclusion: The lateral plate fixation using MIPO technique of distal tibial metaphyseal fracture is an efficient method of treatment with high functional recovery rate which minimize soft tissue damage, decreases the risk of infection and incidence of nonunion at the same time as the classic MIPO technique does, and it is a useful alternative method when there is a anteromedial soft tissue damage.
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