Objective: To summarize clinical outcomes of locking compression plate (LCP) combined with minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) for the treatment of Pilon fracture.
Methods: From January 2009 to December 2012, Pilon fracture patients treated by LCP with MIPPO were retrospectively analyzed. All open fractures, pathologic fractures and those who had limb vascular disease or nerve injury were excluded. Thirty-eight patients were enrolled, including 29 males and 9 females aged from 21 to 78 years old with an average of 48 years old. According to AO classification, 20 cases were type B, 18 cases were type C. Operative time, blood loss, reduction quality, time of fracture healing complications and postoperative ankle joint function were applied for evaluating clinical outcomes, AOFAS scoring were used for assessing postoperative clinical effects.
Results: All patients were followed up from 13 to 24 months (averaged 18 months). All patients obtained bone union without any plate failures or loss of fixation/reduction. One patient occurred superficial wound infection, and resolved with antibiotics and local wound care. Postoperative average AOFAS score was 81 (ranged 65 to 97).
Conclusion: LCP with MIPPO for Pilon fratcure has advantages of less invasion, fewer complications and satisfactory ankle function.