Two Stage Minimally Invasive Method with Locking Plate Application on Distal Tibia Fractures - Our Experience

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Distal tibia fractures historically resulted in poor functional outcomes.
• Advancements include open reduction and delayed operative treatment.
• The two-stage minimally-invasive protocol with locking plate fixation marked a significant improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the superior results of the two-stage minimally-invasive method with locking plate fixation.
• To establish this technique as a historic advancement in treating distal tibia fractures.

Main Methods:

• Prospective longitudinal study conducted from 2014-2016.
• Data collected from a Traumatology-Clinic.
• Nine-month follow-up for twenty-three patients.

Main Results:

• Excellent final functional outcomes, including dorsiflexion at nine months.
• High scores on the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale.
• Complications were minimal, benign, and did not necessitate further surgery.

Conclusions:

• The two-stage minimally-invasive method with locking plate fixation yields excellent results.
• This modern approach should be considered the gold standard for distal tibia fracture treatment.
• Routine application of this technique is recommended.