To review the efficiency of the minimally invasive plate fixation technique for distal tibia shaft fractures.

Between April 1999 and March 2001, 15 patients with distal tibia fractures were treated operatively by minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis. There were 10 men and 5 women with an average age of 51 years (range, 20 to 72 years). The patients were followed for an average of 19 months (range, 12 to 30 months). In all patients, the center of fracture was in the distal tibia and either entirely extraarticular or with minimally displaced extension into the ankle joint. The type of fracture was evaluated using the AO/OTA classification. So far as general condition of patients permitted, temporary reduction of fractures with or without passive traction or distractor was performed under intraoperative fluoroscopy. About a 2 cm to 3 cm incision was made in the metaphyseal region proximal or distal to the fracture site, and screws fixation was performed percutaneously. A clinical assessment was evaluated according to Olerud and Molander ankle score.

All of the fractures healed with an average time of 15 weeks (range, 10 to 25 weeks). No patient had an angular deformity more than 5 °, or shortening of more than 1 cm. All patients had an excellent or satisfactory ankle function. Checkrein deformity was observed in one patient and superficial infections occurred in two, but no patient experienced deep infection or skin necrosis.

As compared with conventional open reduction and internal plate fixation, minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis technique was found to be an effective method of treating distal tibia fractures, because it facilitates the rehabilitation more rapid patient rehabilitation, and induces osteosynthesis with reduced of the rates of infection and nonunion.