[Treatment of comminuted distal tibial fractures with the less invasive stabilization system (LISS)].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate clinical effects of minimal invasive stabilization system (LISS) for the treatment of comminuted distal tibial fractures.


METHODS
From February 2006 to February 2010, 48 patients with comminuted distal tibial fractures were treated with LISS. There were 30 males and 18 females, ranging in age from 18 to 78 years. According to AO classification, there were 13 cases of A3, 19 cases of B1, 10 cases of C1 and 6 cases of C2. All the patients were treated with indirect reduction, small incision and followed up at the 1st, 3rd and 6 months, 1 year after operation.


RESULTS
All the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 6 to 15 months (averaged, 12.5 months). Active and passive exercises started at the first day after surgery without casting. The average time of full weight loading were 12.3 weeks (ranged, 11 to 16 weeks). No complications, such as nonunion, breakage of plate and screw or deep infection, occurred in all patients. The mean operation time was 50 minutes (ranged, 45 to 60 min) and the average length of incision was 6 cm (ranged, 5 to 7 cm). According to Helfer criterion for clinical result, excellent results were obtained in 37 patients, good in 7, and fair in 4.


CONCLUSIONS
Since LISS combined with indirect reduction and minimal invasion provides solid fixation, promotes bone heeling and permits early functional rehabilitation, which is well suited for the treatment of severe distal tibial fractures.
Department of Orthopaedics, 476th Hospital of Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China. zz4760@63.com
Zhong
Z
Zhang
Yong-Ping
YP
Liu
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013977:Tibia / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult