Minimally Invasive Medial Plate Osteosynthesis of High-Energy Pediatric Tibia Fractures

We report on the largest series to date of minimally invasive medial plate osteosynthesis of high-energy tibia fractures in skeletally immature patients. Design: Retrospective. Setting: Level 1 trauma center. Patients: Skeletally immature patients with high-energy tibia fractures treated with minimally invasive medial plate osteosynthesis between 2006 and 2017. We identified 28 fractures in 26 patients. Main Outcome Measure: We reviewed the record for patient, injury, and treatment factors as well as for complications and reoperation. We assessed the relationships between age, implant selection, and implant removal using χ2 and t test analyses. Results: Mean age was 12 years (4–15) with OTA/AO classifications including 42A (18), 42B (6), and 42C (4). There were 10 open fractures (1 type I, 2 type II, and 7 type III). Mean follow-up was 37.6 months (minimum 7). Mean time to full weight-bearing and union was 2 and 3 months, respectively. Plate stock (2.7, 3.5, and 4.5 mm) and length (6–20 holes) varied independent of age, P = 0.19. There were 2 superficial infections, one 15 mm leg length discrepancy, and one case of fasciotomy at the time of plate fixation for trauma-related compartment syndrome. Implant removal was more likely in younger patients (10.9 vs. 13.2 years, P = 0.04) and not associated with plate stock, P = 0.97. There were no neurovascular injuries, losses of reduction, or rotational deformities. Angulation was universally
Source: Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Original Article Source Type: research