title: Minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis of fractures of the distal tibia.
abstract: Fractures of the distal tibia are notoriously difficult to treat, and traditional methods of fixation are often fraught with soft-tissue complications. With recent emphasis on meticulous handling and preservation of the soft-tissue envelope, minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis has become a safe and reliable method of treating these fractures. This technique involves conventional open reduction and internal fixation of the fibula and spanning external fixation of the tibia until the soft-tissue swelling subsides. Subsequently, limited open reduction and internal fixation of displaced articular fragments is performed through small incisions based on CT evaluation. This is followed by minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis of the tibia, in which the plafond is attached to the tibial shaft using a variety of commercially available plates.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Trauma Service, Orthopaedic Trauma Center, Hospital for Special Surgery/New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: David L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Helfet
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Suk
mesh_terms: D001860:Bone Plates; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D011859:Radiography; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome