Percutaneous plating of distal tibial fractures

We studied 20 patients (mean age 47.9+/-3.9, range 25-85 years) undergoing percutaneous plating of the distal tibia for 43A or 43C fractures in the period 1999-2002. Bony and functional results were classified into four categories ranging from excellent to poor. Union was achieved in all but one patient. Seven patients had angular deformities between 7 and 10 degrees, but none of these patients required further operations. No patient had a leg-length discrepancy greater than 1 cm. Thirteen patients had excellent and good bone results, and none used walking aids. Seven patients reported stiffness of the operated ankle. This reported use of percutaneous techniques in the management of fractures of the distal tibial metaphysis is preliminary. However, the functional results and the lack of soft tissue complications are encouraging.