A STUDY ON COMPARISON OF OPEN REDUCTION INTERNAL PLATE FIXATION (ORIF) AND MINIMALLY INVASIVE PERCUTANEOUS PLATE OSTEOSYNTHESIS (MIPPO) TECHNIQUE ON SCHATZKER IV-VI TIBIAL PLATAEU FRACTURES

Abstract

Background: Tibial condyle fractures in young adults or in old age are difficult to manage conservatively and often require operative management. The present study was conducted with an objective to compare the results of Open Reduction Internal Plate Fixation (ORIF) Technique and Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPPO) technique for Schatzker IV-VI tibial plateau fractures.

Methods: The case records of 42 cases of schatzker IV-VI type tibial fracture were analyzed retrospectively. Among these 42 patients 21 received surgical treatments in the form of ORIF with plate fixation and other 21 cases received MIPPO after 7-10 days after injury. The surgical time, complication, length of hospital stay and cost of hospitalization were analyzed and compared between two groups.

Results: There was no significant differences in time required for operation between 2 groups (p>0.05) while there was significant differences observed (p<0.01) for duration of stay in hospital and cost of hospital stay. After 9-24 months follow up (average12 months), no difference was found between two groups in terms of complication, healing time or hospital for special surgery score (HSS). No deep infection was found in both groups however superficial infection was found in 5 patients in group 2.

Conclusion: It is concluded from the present study that under certain conditions MIPPO for complex tibial plateau fractures is feasible as it can shorten the length of stay, decrease cost of hospitalization and promote early functional rehabilitation.