Percutaneous plating of lower limb long bone fractures

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology

Background:

• Metaphyseal fractures of long bones in the lower limb present treatment challenges.
• Intramedullary nailing is often not applicable for these fracture patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of indirect reduction and percutaneous plating for non-diaphyseal fractures of the lower limb.
• To assess functional outcomes and complications associated with this surgical technique.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of 22 patients with non-diaphyseal lower limb fractures.
• Treatment primarily involved indirect reduction and percutaneous plating, utilizing a lateral tibial head buttress plate in most cases.

Main Results:

• All 22 cases achieved radiological union and full weight-bearing capacity.
• No significant malalignment occurred. One Gustilo III-b compound fracture required bone grafting.
• No revisions were needed for union problems; one early revision and one wound complication requiring flap surgery were noted.

Conclusions:

• Indirect reduction and percutaneous plating yield satisfactory functional results with minimal soft tissue complications.
• This technique is a recommended option for metaphyseal fractures where intramedullary nails are contraindicated.