Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of a consecutive series of distal tibial fractures treated by percutaneous plating.
85 patients with distal tibial fractures were treated using minimally invasive medial plate fixation. 18 patients had open fractures. Eight had displaced intra-articular fractures (AO type 43C). The majority had extra-articular fractures (AO type 42 or 43A). Patients ranged in age from 16–89 years. All were followed to union with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months (average 47 months). Outcome measures assessed retrospectively were alignment, time to full weight bearing and complications including infection, delayed or non-union and secondary surgery.
The mean time to surgery after injury was 5 days (range 0–22). 51 patients had unlocked pre-contoured plates and the remaining 34 had locking plates. The fibula was plated in 41 cases. Post-operative mal-alignment greater than 5 degrees varus or valgus occurred in 3 cases (3.5%). The average time to full weight bearing was 11 weeks. Superficial infection occurred in 6 patients (7%) and deep infections in 4 cases (4.7%). There was one case of plate fracture. 4 patients, including this case, required further surgery to achieve union. There was a high rate of metalware symptoms that prompted plate removal.
Percutaneous plate fixation of distal tibial fractures is a reliable method of treatment with complication rates lower than reported for open techniques.
Correspondence should be addressed to: Associate Professor N. Susan Stott, Orthopaedic Department, Starship Children’s Hospital, Private Bag 92024, Auckland, New Zealand.
