Abstract: Background: Distal tibial fractures are one of the most complex injuries around the ankle joint, accounting for approximately 7% of all tibial fractures. The present study was conducted to assess distal tibial extra-articular fractures fixed with locking compression plate using MIPO technique.
Materials & Methods: 40 patients of closed extra articular distal tibial fractures were treated with anatomical LCP applied on antero-medial surface of lower end tibia with MIPO technique. Parameters such as AO/OTA classification system, duration of surgery, duration of fracture union and complications were recorded.
Results: AO fracture type was 43 A1 seen in 24, 43 A2 in 10, 43 A3 in 6. Duration of surgery was 0-60 minutes in 3, 60-90 minutes in 17 and 90-120 minutes in 20. Duration of fracture union was 12-16 weeks in 4, 16-20 weeks in 18, 20- 24 weeks in 6 and >24 weeks in 12. Complications were superficial skin infection in 1, deep skin infection in 2, implant failure in 1 and varus angulation in 3 cases. The difference was significant (P<0.05).
Conclusion: MIPO with LCP is a reliable and effective method of treatment for the distal tibial extraarticular fractures.
