Comparison of clinical efficacy among percutaneous minimally invasive locking plate, compression plate with conventional incision and fixation with external fixator for treatment of fracture of lower tibia
【Abstract】 ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy of locking compression plate combined with minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis (LCPMIPPO) for fracture of lower tibia. MethodsA total of 120 adult patients with closed fracture of lower tibia were divided into LCPMIPPO group (n=45), open reduction internal fixation(ORIF) group (n=40) and unilateral fixation with external fixator group (n=35) according to the surgical approaches. The length of incision, operation duration, intraoperative blood loss, duration of ambulation, duration for clinical recovery, incidence of complications, excellent rate and postoperative score of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS ) were compared among the three groups. ResultsFollowedup was performed in all cases, the average duration of followup was 15.2 months (range:3~36 months). In the LCPMIPPO group, the length of incision,intraoperative blood loss, duration for clinical fracture healing, duration for weightbearing walking and incident rate of complication were less or shorter, and excellent rate and postoperative AOFAS score were higher compared to the ORIF group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the operation duration, length of incision and intraoperative blood loss between the LCPMIPPO group and unilateral fixation with external fixator group(P>0.05). In the LCPMIPPO group, duration for clinical fracture healing, duration for weightbearing walking and incident rate of complication were less or shorter, and excellent rate and postoperative AOFAS score were higher compared to the unilateral fixation with external fixator group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the operation duration among the three groups(P>0.05). ConclusionLCPMIPPO is a minimally invasive surgical approach for fracture of lower tibia, and has the advantages of less trauma, reliable fixation, faster recovery and less complications. However, external fixator is also a good choice when the condition of local soft tissue is poor.