Functional Outcome of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) versus Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) in Distal Third Tibia Fractures: A longitudinal study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the tibia and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) of the tibia in distal third tibia fractures.

Study design: A longitudinal study

Place and Duration: This study was conducted at Saidu Teaching Hospital Saidu Sharif, Swat Pakistan from June 2020 to June 2021.

Methodology: A total of 60 patients with distal tibial fractures were included in this study. Out of these 60 patients, 30 were treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and the remaining 30 with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO). Duration of the surgery, duration of stay at the hospital, length of incision, blood loss during the procedure, AOFAS grading, and mobilization post-surgery with partial weight-bearing and full weight-bearing were considered to evaluate the outcome of both procedures.

Results: Mobilization with full weight-bearing, length of the incision, and blood loss during the surgery were higher in patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) as compared to patients treated with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO).

Conclusion: Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) results in less surgical trauma, more stable construction of the bone, lesser clearing of fracture hematoma, and less damage to the blood supply. Thus, MIPO was more biologically favorable than ORIF.