Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis of Distal Tibia and Fibular Fractures Through a Single Distal Anterolateral Incision

Treating distal tibia fractures is often challenging given the extent of soft tissue damage around the fracture and the risk of infection and other complications with internal fixation and the accompanying incisions. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis minimizes these complications and can be performed through a single incision. From April 2009 to January 2011, we treated 20 patients who had both tibial and fibular distal fractures through a distal anterolateral approach with this technique. The mean follow-up period was 15.5 (range 12 to 26) months. The mean interval to bony union was 21 (range 18 to 25) weeks. A 5° varus deformity was found in 1 patient. Another patient, who had a history of alcohol consumption and smoking, developed wound necrosis that was treated successfully with debridement and without skin grafting. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score for all patients was 91.8 (range 84 to 97). The anterolateral, minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis technique is a useful method for treating distal tibial and fibular fractures at the same level, with a low complication rate.