Evaluation of results of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) of distal tibial fractures in adults.

Treatment of unstable fractures of distal tibia using minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) techniques may minimise soft tissue Injury and damage to the vascular integrity of the fracture fragments. The results of 20 patients treated by MIPO for closed fractures of distal tibia are reported. Their mean age was 42 years (range: 22-68 years).The mean time to full weight-bearing was 16 weeks (range: 12-20 weeks) and to union was 24 weeks (range: 18-28 weeks). MIPO is an effective treatment for closed, unstable fractures of the distal tibia, avoiding the complications associated with more traditional methods of Internal fixation and/or external fixation.