Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Plate Stabilization of Proximal Tibial Fractures

PURPOSE: Despite of various treatment methods, proximal tibial fractures are common injuries that may be associated with poor outcomes and high rates of complications. To improve this, percutaneous plating technique was performed in the proximal tibial fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four proximal tibial fractures (AO 41A; 5, AO 41C; 12, AO 42; 7) were treated by percutaneous plating with either or both sides without bone graft. One was open fracture. RESULTS: All fractures were healed. The average time for fracture healing was 16.5 weeks (range, 8~24 weeks). Complications included a 1cm shortened case and two mal-alignments; a 6 degree valgus case and 5 degree varus case. There was one case of superficial infection, which healed after plate removal. But, there was no deep infection. Results were evaluated by modified Rasmussen score system, all patients had excellent or good result. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive percutaneous plating technique can provide favorable results in the treatment of proximal tibial fractures.