title: Minimally invasive osteosynthesis of distal tibial fractures using anterolateral locking plate: Evaluation of results and complications.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Soft tissue healing is of paramount importance in distal tibial fractures for a successful outcome. There is an increasing trend of using anterolateral plate due to an adequate soft tissue cover on ante- rolateral distal tibia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results and complications of minimally invasive anterolateral locking plate in distal tibial fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a retrospective study of 42 patients with distal tibial fractures treated with minimally invasive anterolateral tibial plating. This study evaluates the bone and soft tissue healing along with emphasis on complications related to bone and soft tissue healing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Full weight bearing was allowed in mean time period of 4.95 months (3-12 months). A major local complication of a wound which required revision surgery was seen in one case. Minor complications were identified in 9 cases which comprised 4 cases of marginal necrosis of the surgical wound, 1 case of superficial infection, 1 case of sensory disturbance over the anterolateral foot, 1 case of muscle hernia and 2 cases of delayed union. Mean distance between the posterolateral and anterolateral incision was 5.7 cm (4.5-8 cm).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The minimally invasive distal tibial fixation with anterolateral plating is a safe method of stabilization. Distance between anterolateral and posterolateral incision can be placed less than 7 cm apart depending on fracture pattern with proper surgical timing and technique.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, AIIMS, New Delhi 110029, India.
authors.forename: Devendra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lakhotia
authors.forename: Gaurav
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: Kavin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Khatri
authors.forename: G-N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Vijay
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: Kamran
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Farooque
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000601:surgery*