Percutaneous locking plate versus traditional anatomical plate fixation for distal tibial fracture

Liu Chang-hai; Wang Zhan-chao; Lu Hua; Yu Si-ming; Mao Yu-lun; Zhou Qiang

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2014.17.014

Abstract：BACKGROUND:Minimal y invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis is characterized by indirect closed reduction of fracture, supplemented by suitable stable internal fixation, can protect blood supply in the fracture end and surrounding to the maximum, provide good biological environment, and have good curative effects on treatment of long bone shaft fracture. <br> OBJECTIVE:To compare the clinical curative effects of minimal y invasive percutaneous locking plate versus traditional anatomical plate fixation for distal tibial fracture. <br> METHODS:A total of 68 patients with closed fracture of distal tibia, including 38 males and 30 females, aged 15-68 years old, were selected. In accordance with admission order and random ranked list, the patients were assigned to two groups. Minimal invasion group (n=32) received percutaneous locking plate fixation under the monitoring of C-arm X-ray machine. Traditional group (n=36) received common tibia compression plate and limited contact-dynamic compress plate fixation. The clinical curative effects were compared between the two groups. <br> RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Operation time, cal us formation time, fracture union time, and time of restoring weight-bearing walking in the minimal invasion group were earlier compared with traditional group (P<0.05), but intraoperative hemorrhage was less in the minimal invasion group than the traditional group (P<0.05). After fol ow-up for 10-21 months, the excellent and good rate of limb function recovery was 97%in the minimal invasion group and 81%in the traditional group. Significant differences in the excellent and good rate were detectable between minimal invasion and traditional groups (P<0.05). Results suggested that minimal y invasive percutaneous locking plate fixation was in accorded with biological and mechanical principles, had less trauma, few complications in the incision and soft tissue, promoted fracture healing, and was an effective method to treat distal tibial fracture.