Abstract: Introduction: The study was conducted to assess for clinical and radiological outcome particularly complications and healing rate of distal tibia fractures treated by locking compression plate using minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis technique. It preserves soft tissue with limited operative exposure.
Objectives: Assess the clinical and radiological outcome of distal tibia fractures treated by locking compression plating using minimally invasive percutaneous plating. To evaluate the healing rate, radiological outcome and complications in these cases.
Methodology: Study was conducted in all patients with distal tibia fractures admitted to our Al-Ameen medical college hospital, Vijayapur from November 2015 to November 2017. Twenty patients with mean age of 38 years was taken into the study. Patients were followed up at regular intervals. Clinical and radiological outcome were evaluated at the end of one year.
Results: There were fourteen males and six female patients enrolled in the study. Fracture united in all twenty patients. All were extra articular fractures which were classified based on Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification. Seven patients had associated fibula fracture. Mean duration for fracture union was 18.8 weeks. Post operatively three patients had ankle stiffness, three had occasional pain and two patients developed superficial wound infection. Based on modified ankle score of Olerud and Molander, we got excellent results in five cases, good in eight, fair in five and poor in two cases.
Conclusion: Locking compression plating using minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis technique is a good treatment option for fractures of distal tibia. Accurate positioning and proper fixation of the plate with minimal dissection are essential to produce good clinical and radiological outcome. We strongly recommend this procedure for all extra articular distal tibia fractures.
