FACTORS AFFECTING FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF DISTAL TIBIA FRACTURES TREATED BY PLATING USING MINIMAL INVASIVE PERCUTANEOUS PLATE OSTEOSYNTHESIS TECHNIQUE

Introduction: Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) is an established technique for fixation of fractures of the distal third tibia. Minimally invasive plating offers the advantage of fracture fixation without disturbing the soft tissue cover, less chances of infection, early mobilization of patient. Using a locking compression plate reduces the tendency for varus collapse and at the same time affords better stability Our study aimed to manage intra articular and extraarticular fractures of the distal third tibia by the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis technique and follow them. Clinical and radiological outcomes were studied, and clinical indications & efficacy of the procedure reviewed. Materials and Methods: An ambispective analysis of 30 patients of closed distal tibial fractures were operated by MIPO technique. Bone and soft tissue healing and complications encountered were analyzed. Result: It has been a well-known fact that distal tibia fractures have recently been treated by minimally invasive techniques. Literature above says that there is risk of disrupting blood supply with open reduction internal fixation leading to soft tissue healing problems. However, we did not face any of these complications in our patients, infection or wound breakdown with implant exposure. Conclusion: Distal tibial fractures can successfully be treated by single stage MIPPO plating. Considering a proper surgical timing, respect for soft tissue handling, a good fixation can be achieved. Minimally Invasive Osteosynthesis of distal tibial fracture produced reliable results with acceptable range of movement and resuming early return to activities of daily living.