Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique for complex tibial shaft fracture

TTo evaluate the clinical and radiological results of the treatment of complex tibial shaft fracture (AO/OTA type 42-C) with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis(MIPO). Twenty patients diagnosed with complex tibial shaft fracture without extension to the articular surface and treated with MIPO, including 9 cases of AO/OTA type 42-C2 and 11 cases of AO/OTA type 42-C3, 6 of which were open fractures. External fixation was used for open fractures until the soft tissue damage had healed; then, 2nd stage operation with MIPO was performed to stabilize the fracture. Each patient was followed up for a minimum of 12 months. The mean time to union was 20.1 weeks. Delayed union was observed in 4 cases. Angular deformity, length shortening and non-union were not observed. Severely comminuted and open fractures of the tibial shaft may benefit from temporary external fixation prior to performing MIPO.