Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: The tibia is one of two bones that comprise the leg. Conventional open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) techniques involve extensive dissection and periosteal stripping, which increase the risk of soft tissue complications. The minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique has gained prevalence in recent years. Hence; the present study commenced with the aim of comparing the efficacy and functional outcome of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis versus open reduction and internal fixation with locking compression plate in distal 1/3rd shaft tibia fractures. Materials & methods: A total of 20 patients were analysed and were broadly divided into two study groups as follows: Group 1: Patients treated with MIPO, Group 2: Patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with LCP plating technique. All the patients were treated according to their respective groups. Necessary intravenous antibiotics were given immediate preoperatively or during operation. Ankle mobilization was started from 3rd postoperative day. Follow-up was done and Tenny and Wiss criteria were used for evaluating the patients. According to these criteria, results were graded as follows: Excellent, Good, Fair and Poor. Results: Mean duration of surgery among patients of group 1 and group 2 was found to be 79.6 minutes and 73.2 minutes respectively. Significant results were obtained while comparing the mean duration of procedure among the patients of both the study groups. Mean healing time among patients of group 1 and group 2 was found to be 16.8 weeks and 17.3 weeks respectively. Non-significant results were obtained while comparing the mean healing time among the patients of both the study group. Non-significant results were obtained while comparing the mean TENNY and WISS score among the patients of the both the study groups at different time intervals. Majority of patients of both the study groups showed good to excellent results at final follow-up. Conclusion: Both ORIF and MIPO techniques are equally effective in terms of outcome in treating extra-articular distal tibia fracture. Key words: Open reduction and internal fixation, Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis, Tibia