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Mini plate osteosynthesis vs mini ORIF yields similar outcomes for distal tibia fractures
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Recently published data showed that patients with simple distal tibia fractures treated with either minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis or minimal open reduction and internal fixation had high union rates and good functional outcomes.
Researchers randomly assigned 58 patients with simple and distal tibia fractures to receive treatment with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis or minimal open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Clinical outcome measurements comprised operative time, radiation exposure time and soft tissue complications, radiologic measurements included fracture alignment, delayed union and union time. Investigators used American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle score to evaluate patient function.
Results showed that all patients achieved bone union without any secondary intervention, with a mean time to union of 17.4 weeks for the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis group and 16.3 weeks in the minimal ORIF group. Researchers found each group had one case of delayed union and one case of superficial infection. According to the data, the minimal ORIF group had a shorter radiation exposure time vs. the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis group. Researchers noted a mean coronal angular deformity of 1.5° in the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis group vs. 0.7° in the minimal ORIF group. The results further showed that the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis group had an AOFAS ankle score of 86 while the minimal ORIF group had a score of 86.7. Researchers found similar outcomes with no increased rate of soft tissue problems between both groups. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.
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