Functional Outcomes of Distal Tibia Fractures Treated With Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Plate Osteosynthesis...

The tibia, a crucial long bone in the lower leg, plays a vital role in supporting mobility. Distal tibial fractures (DTFs) are relatively uncommon among lower extremity fractures. Minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) has become increasingly popular due to advancements in surgical techniques and its potential for positive clinical outcomes.

To evaluate the functional outcomes and complication rates of closed DTFs treated with MIPPO in adult patients, and to assess the impact of factors such as age, injury mechanism, and fracture classification on the treatment results.

A retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Sheikh Zayed Medical College Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022. Seventy patients, aged 18 to 60 years, were included. Postoperative follow-up assessments were conducted at six weeks, three months, and six months to evaluate functional outcomes.

The majority of patients were male, with a mean age of 34 years. The most frequent cause of injury was road traffic accidents, followed by falls from height and other causes. Fractures were classified into three types: A1, A2, and A3. Functional outcomes at the final follow-up showed most patients had excellent to satisfactory results, while a smaller proportion had fair to poor outcomes. A few patients experienced postoperative complications, including malunion, infection, and ankle stiffness.

The study suggests that MIPPO is an effective surgical technique for managing DTFs, providing favourable functional outcomes with a relatively low complication rate. Therefore, MIPPO can be considered a valuable option in treating these fractures.