Search

Purpose: It is known that shoulder surgery may cause iatrogenic injury to the axillary nerve as a serious complication, but there is little evidence to indicate whether the axillary nerve is at risk of injury during an anterolateral acromial approach for minimally-invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) of proximal humerus fractures. We hypothesised that this surgical method is safe for the axillary nerve and would preserve it from iatrogenic injury.Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective follow-up cohort study on 49 consecutive patients with proximal humerus fractures who were managed with MIPO through an anterolateral approach. All patients underwent standardised electroneurographic testing, with assessment of amplitudes of evoked compound muscle action potentials (CMAP) and distal motor latencies (DML) of the axillary nerves, pre- and post-operatively. Six weeks after injury, all patients underwent needle electromyographic (EMG) testing of anterior, middle, posterior deltoid, teres minor and paraspinal muscles for detecting abnormal muscle activity as a sign of acute denervation. After six months of physical rehabilitation, patients with axillary nerve injury underwent control electroneurographic testing to check the recovery of neurographic features (CMAP, DML). All nerve measurements were compared to reference values, and between right and left side.Results: Five patients had a mild-to-moderate traumatic axillary nerve injury before surgery. There were no significant differences between amplitudes of CMAP (p = 0.575) and DML (p = 0.857) pre- and post-surgical procedure.Conclusions: These results confirmed safety of this surgical method in the preservation of axillary nerve from iatrogenic injury, but the course of the axillary nerve must be kept in mind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Distal tibial fractures are common injuries that are prone to complications and require careful management. The use of medial periarticular locking plates is an established modality in the treatment if these fractures. These plates are inserted using the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) or open technique. Our study looks at the soft tissue complications associated with the use of medial locking plates in the management of these fractures. Methods This was a retrospective study carried out at a tertiary care university hospital in an urban setting. Forty four patients with distal tibia fractures treated with periarticular locking plates during a three year period were included in the study. Both closed and open fractures were included while those with an established non-union were excluded. Patient data related to inpatient stay, outpatient visits as well as readmissions was extracted from hospital records and analysed. Spanning external fixation was done if necessary and definitive fixation was done using medial locking plates with either MIPO technique or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with biological technique. The sub cohort of patients with soft tissue complications was compared to the parent group. Results The study group included 44 patients (28M:16F) with 45 fractures with a median age of 42.6 years (range 18–65 years) followed up for a mean of 9.2 months (range 5–20 months). Domestic falls were the cause of injury in 61.4% (n = 27) of the fractures. The average time to union was 26.2 weeks (range 12–66 weeks). Out of these 45 fractures, soft tissue complications were seen in 22.2% of cases (n = 10) with road side accidents seen in 60% (n = 6) of cases. In four patients, there was difficulty in achieving primary wound closure and in five other cases wound dehiscence with exposure of implant was seen within 12 to 30 days of surgery. One patient required secondary suturing after readjustment for malreduction. No statistically significant difference was found in the parent cohort and the sub cohort with soft tissue complications with respect to the use of spanning external fixator, MIPO/ORIF technique or fibular fixation. Conclusion The incidence of soft tissue complications with the use of medial locking plates in distal tibial fractures may be more than what is currently reported in literature and further studies are required to shed more light on this subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The three currently used methods of treatment: namely open reduction plate osteosynthesis (ORPO), Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO), antegrade intramedullary nailing(IMN) are all reported as satisfactory procedures for treatment of humeral shaft fractures. However none of the published reports have a comparison of superiority of one procedure over the other. We evaluated the clinical, radiological and functional outcome of the three procedures.Materials and Methods: We studied adult patients with humerus shaft fractures over a period of 2 years from May 2014 to May 2016 in a level 1 trauma center. Forty-four were treated with IMN, 34 treated with ORPO, and 34 with MIPO. The null hypothesis tested in this study is that there is no difference between IMN, ORPO, MIPO with respect to union time, surgical time, complication rate, non-union rate and functional outcome. Functional outcome was studied by comparing the UCLA shoulder and MEP scores in the three groups.Results: 112 patients were studied consisting of 83 males and 29 females with mean age of 39 years (range 18-70). IMN group showed early union with mean of 12.73 weeks compared to MIPO (14.45 weeks) and ORPO(13.58 weeks), (p<0.05). MIPO had no events of non-union, as compared to ORPO (5 non-unions) and IMN (10 non-unions), (p=0.04). The range of movement at the shoulder with the UCLA score was significantly better with a score of 32.26 in MIPO as compared to 27.54 in IMN and 28.82 in ORPO (p<0.05). The difference in MEPS score in the three groups was not significant (p=0.31). IMN required a mean of 117.95 minutes intraoperatively as compared to 131 and 150.58 mins in MIPO, ORPO respectively.Conclusion: MIPO is overall better with respect to non-union, functional outcome and complications rate. The surgical time depends on the surgeons' skill and learning curve. Thus considering the advantages and risks involved in the various procedure and surgical acumen, each case should be individualized to have a good outcome. We advocate that MIPO can be safely used as an alternative in treating these fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The minimally invasive flexor carpi radialis approach can be used for volar locking plate fixation of distal radius fractures. After 15-mm incision on the lateral aspect of the FCR tendon and all structures but the radial artery are reclined ulnarly, a plate is inserted under the pronator quadratus just proximal to the "watershed line." The distal epiphyseal screws are put in place, and the proximal part of the plate is exposed by flexion of the wrist to put in place the proximal screws. No drainage or postoperative immobilization is used. It offers the advantage of preserving ligamentotaxis which facilitates the reduction, and the small size of the scar improves the esthetic result of the procedure. It is indicated for extra-articular fractures of the distal radius. In the case of an intraarticular fracture, an arthroscopy may be associated. In the case of a proximal diaphyseal extension of the fracture, a second proximal approach can be added in order to use a longer plate. Relative contraindications are comminuted articular fractures in elderly osteoporotic patients. Functional and radiological results are comparable to those obtained with the extented flexor carpi radialis approach. A conversion of the procedure for a larger incision is always possible in the case of a difficult reduction.

Purpose: Stabilizing techniques for flail chest injuries are described through wide surgical approaches to the chest wall, especially in the most affected posterior and lateral regions. Severe morbidity due to these invasive approaches needs to be considered due to dissection of the scapular guiding muscles and the risk of injuries to neurovascular bundles. This study discusses possibilities for minimized approaches to the posterior and lateral regions., Method: Ten fresh-frozen cadavers in lateral decubitus position were observed on both sides. Each surgical arm was kept mobile during the procedure. Approaches were performed following a standard protocol with muscle-sparing incisions starting with 5 cm in length and extending to 10 and 15 cm. The accessible surface comparing the extensions was measured. Visible ribs were counted. In a next step, MatrixRib ® Plates were fixed to those ribs to prove the feasibility of rib stabilization through limited approaches., Results: Combinations of the posterior and lateral minimized approaches allow surgical fixation of 6-9 and 7-11 ribs through 5 and 10 cm incisions, respectively. In the case of an extreme expansion of a rib fracture series, an access extension can be made to 15 cm to be able to adequately supply the entire hemithorax using two approaches., Conclusion: Extensive invasive surgical approaches to the thoracic wall can be replaced by reduced invasive and muscle-sparing access combinations. A free-moving positioning of the arm and an accurate preoperative plan for minimizing approaches are essential. Minimally invasive plate techniques are very helpful adjuncts.

Surgical treatment of distal tibia fractures can present as a difficult task. Intramedullary nailing (IMN), external fixation, and open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) have displayed various complications ranging from a high rate of knee morbidity with IMN to wound complications and infection with ORIF. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) has been used to decrease development of these complications. MIPO respects the soft tissue envelope along with maintaining the biological environment needed for proper osseous healing. Favorable results have been shown with MIPO in regard to function, healing time, and decreased complications., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The objectives of this study were to describe the surgical technique of fixation of 3-4 part proximal humeral fractures with polyaxial locking plates utilising a minimally invasive approach and to evaluate the accuracy of reduction and stability of fixation.Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 90 patients. Fractures were classified according to the Neer classification system. Different radiological parameters were measured to assess the quality of reduction and the stability of fixation. Complications and clinical outcomes were evaluated after one year of minimum follow up.Results: There were 76 women and 14 men, with a mean age of 67.4years ±13 (range, 29-85). There were 60 3-part and 30 4-part fractures. Frozen cancellous allograft was used in 30 cases (33.3%). All fractures progressed to union and at one year follow up, the mean Constant score was 79.6±12(range, 62-100). Mean forward flexion, abduction, external rotation and internal rotation were 155°, 148°, 39° and vertebra Dorsal 8, respectively. Complications were noted in seven patients while the postoperative "head-diaphysis angle", "greater tuberosity height" and "medial metaphysis reconstruction" were close to the anatomical parameters; no significant differences were noted at one year radiological follow up.Conclusion: Reliable and stable fixation can be expected with the use of polyaxial locking plate through a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of 3-4 part proximal humeral fractures. Satisfactory functional results for this procedure can be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis procedure has been widely applied for long-bone fixations; however, this technique is not commonly used for clavicular midshaft fractures. In this study, we introduced this technique for midshaft clavicular fractures using superior anatomic locking plates and evaluated its clinical and radiographic outcomes. Materials and methods From June 2013 to July 2014, 15 patients with acute midshaft clavicular fractures were treated with the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis technique using a 3.5-mm clavicular superior anatomic locking plate. Anteroposterior plain X-ray images of the clavicle were taken at 4-week intervals until union was observed. The last clinical follow-up assessments were performed postoperatively at a mean of 16.54 months (range, 10-23 months). In addition, for clinical evaluations, the Constant score and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score were assessed. Results The average operative time was 60.2 ± 20.1 minutes (range, 40-80 minutes), with blood loss of 25 ± 5 mL (range, 20-30 mL) during the operation. The mean union time for the patients was 10.1 ± 1.4 weeks (range, 8-12 weeks), and no delayed union or nonunion was observed. There were no major complications, including infections, plate breakages, or neurovascular injuries. No skin irritation was observed, and only 2 patients felt local incision numbness. All patients obtained satisfactory shoulder functions. The mean Constant score was 99 ± 1.8 (range, 95-100), and the mean Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 3.8 ± 2.9 (range, 0-10) at the last control visit. Conclusion The minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis procedure that was introduced in this study for midshaft clavicular fractures with superior anatomic locking plate is a reproducible procedure and an alternative to conventional operative methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique for tibial shaft fracture management has gained wide attention. However, an increased intracompartmental pressure after the plate insertion may result in postoperative acute compartment syndrome. We reported the difference of immediate effect of percutaneous plate insertion using 2 approaches of MIPO technique on anterior compartment pressure of the legs., Materials and Methods: Eight soft cadaveric legs (one female and three males) without previous history of skeletal trauma or surgery were infused with normal saline to create the sustained intracompartmental pressure of 20mm Hg in all four compartments. The Synthes ® 4.5mm 11-hole Narrow Locking Compression Plate was inserted via anteromedial and anterolateral approach. Anterior compartment pressure was measured by portable digital monitoring device through side-port needle (Stryker ® Intracompartmental Monitoring Device) before and after plate insertion for each approach., Results: By using anteromedial approach, a mean of anterior compartment pressure was increased by 0.375mm Hg after plate insertion (5 of 8 legs had no change in pressure and the remaining 3 resulted in 1mm Hg pressure elevation). For anterolateral plate insertion, all of the 8 legs had an elevation of anterior compartment pressure with a mean of 3.5mmHg (ranged from 2 to 6mm Hg)., Conclusions: When both approaches were compared to each other, the anterolateral plate insertion resulted in higher intracompartmental pressure elevation of the anterior compartment than the anteromedial approach. Surgeon should be more aware of acute compartment syndrome when considering the anterolateral approach in treating close tibial fracture. However, in patients with suspected acute compartment syndrome, close observation and continuous monitoring of the intracompartmental pressure is still imperative for all healthcare provider., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of performing minimally-invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) in tibial fractures using two posteromedial incisions, and to measure the distance between the plate and neurovascular structures., Materials and Methods: We performed nine dissections of specimens that were submitted to tibial MIPO with two posteromedial incisions. One locking compression plate (LCP) of 14 to 16 holes was inserted into the submuscular tunnel in a retrograde manner. Incisions were linked to evaluate the distance between neurovascular structures and the plate., Results: During the proximal incision, a blunt dissection between semitendinosus and medial gastrocnemius tendons, as well as their lateral shift, helped to protect the main local neurovascular structures. In its distal portion, the submuscular plate tunnel insertion and its direction to the proximal incision prevented direct contact and possible damage to neurovascular structures. Moreover, we obtained successful results from a patient submitted to this procedure., Conclusion: Posteromedial MIPO represents a safe and attractive alternative for tibial fractures, particularly if there are damaged soft tissues in the anterior and medial side, or when access to intramedullary osteosynthesis is blocked., (© 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Comminuted fractures happen frequently due to traumas. Fixation without opening the fracture site, known as minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO), has recently become prevalent. This study has been designed to assess the outcomes of this treatment for tibial and femoral comminuted fractures., Methods: A total of 60 patients with comminuted femoral or tibial fractures were operated with MIPO method in this cross-sectional study at Alzahra university hospital in 2015. Eleven patients were excluded due to lack of adequate follow-ups. Patients'data including union time; infection in the fractured site; hip and knee range of motion; and any malunion or deformities like limb length discrepancy were collected after the surgery in every session., Results: Among 32 femoral and 17 tibial fractures, union was completed in48 patients, while only one patient with femoral fracture had nonunion. The mean union time was 18.57±2.42 weeks. Femur fractures healed faster than tibia (17.76±2.36 compared to 19±2.37 weeks, respectively, P =0.09). None of the patients suffered from infections or fistula. The range of motion in hip and knee remained intact in approximately all patients. Malunion happened in 3 patients; 10 0 internal rotation in 1 patient; and 1cm limb shortening in 2 patients., Conclusion: According to the result of this study, MIPO is a simple and effective method of fixation with a high rate of union as well as minimal complications for comminuted fractures of long bones. Infection is rare, and malunion or any deformity is infrequent. MIPO appears to be a promising and safe treatment alternative for comminuted fractures.

Introduction: Traditional open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of extra-articular distal humerus fractures has a risk of iatrogenic radial nerve injury, extensive soft tissue stripping, and long incision scar. We performed an antero-lateral minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique with the radial nerve exploration for distal-third diaphyseal fractures of the humerus and evaluated clinical and radiographic outcomes through this respective study., Methods: From April 2010 to June 2016, 28 cases of extra-articular distal-third diaphyseal fractures were treated with an antero-lateral MIPO procedure. Patient demographics, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Score, Mayo Elbow Performance (MEP) Score, elbow range of motion, scars and post-operative complications were recorded and analyzed., Results: All fractures were united with a mean time of 3.5 months. One patient exhibited delayed union (3.6%). The mean DASH Score was 6.6, and all patients had excellent or good MEP Score values. The average scar length was 6.8 cm, and the shortest was 4.5 cm., Conclusions: The MIPO technique via an antero-lateral approach for extra-articular distal-third diaphyseal fractures of the humerus results in satisfactory clinical outcomes., Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series, treatment study.

Introduction: In performing surgery for fractures of the pelvis and acetabulum, various surgical approaches have been introduced with their own advantages and drawbacks. The extensile nature of ilioinguinal approach gives excellent exposure but was related to wound healing problems. Modified stoppa has a higher difficulty and poses a risk for neurovascular injury. In this study, we elaborate our experience using the Modified Stoppa approach with additional lateral window while adding few modifications to simplify the procedure and facilitate future implant removal., Methods: A prospective-retrospective cohort involving 30 anterior pelvic ring and/or anterior column acetabulum fracture patients were conducted from 2012-2016. Fifteen cases were prospectively treated using the modified approach since 2014, while the remaining fifteen cases that were treated using Ilioinguinal approach were retrospectively reviewed. Intraoperative parameters such as blood loss, duration of surgery, quality of reduction (Matta) and postoperative functional outcome (Majeed and Hannover score) at 12 months period were recorded and evaluated by a blinded reviewer., Result: There were no significant differences between the two groups in mean age, sex and fracture type. The mean blood loss in the MIPO group were 325 ± 225 mL versus 710.67 ± 384.51 mL in the control group (p = 0.002). Duration of surgery were 149.33 ± 91.92 minutes in MIPO group versus 235.71 ± 65.79 minutes in ilioinguinal group (p = 0.014). There were no significant differences noted between the two groups in the quality of reduction and postoperative functional outcome, either by using Majeed or Hannover pelvic score. No complications were found after a 12-months follow up period. Two modified cases already had their implant removed and during the procedure, fibrotic tissue were minimal making the implant removal was less complicated and easier., Conclusions: Modified stoppa and lateral window technique can be used as a safe and effective alternative approach for anterior pelvic ring fracture and/or anterior column acetabulum fracture. This approach decreased the duration of surgery and blood loss without compromising the quality of reduction and functional outcome in patients.

Hypothesis: The aim of the present study was to assess the technical feasibility of minimally invasive volar plate removal following distal radius fracture., Material and Methods: Three hundred and eighty-eight plates removed from 387 patients (357 females: mean age, 50 years) were assessed retrospectively. The incision used the primary minimally invasive approach and was closed after plate removal by intradermal continuous suture, without drainage or immobilization., Results: Mean scar size was 22.2mm preoperatively, and the incision was 19.8mm at start and 21.4mm at end of procedure, these differences being non-significant. The scar was enlarged by accidental skin tear in 13 cases and intentionally by lancet in 11 cases. There were 29 screw-related complications, 1 bone crack without clinical impact, and 1 plate fracture. There were no postoperative complications., Discussion: The present results demonstrate the feasibility of removing a volar plate on the distal radius via a 20-mm approach. These findings should be confirmed on a future study comparing minimally invasive plate ablation and conventional approaches., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

A fit 42-year-old woman presented to our department with a closed isolated distal tibial and fibular shaft fracture (AO 42-B1.3), which was addressed with a minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with a bridging technique for both the tibia and the fibula. No risk factors for healing issues were known at the time of surgery. At the 6-month follow-up, the leg was still painful during walking and the fracture site was still evident on the radiographs. Bone and CT-scans confirmed the diagnosis of oligotrophic non-union. A revision surgery was then successfully performed with a reamed IM tibial nail and a fibular osteotomy taking into consideration both biological and mechanical factors. Surgeons must treat tibial shaft fractures avoiding unnecessary damage to soft tissue, restoring an appropriate reduction of the bony segment and providing an adequate fixation; however, other factors may play a role in the development of "unexpected non-union". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The operative treatment of displaced bicondylar tibial plateau fractures is challenging. The displaced condyles must be reduced, depressed plateaus must be elevated and adequately supported and early rehabilitation must be encouraged in order to obtain good clinical results. This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with bicondylar tibial plateau fractures treated with dual locked plates using raft screws with MIPO technique and autologous bone grafting. We hypothesized that in this group of patients dual locked plating reduces the complication rates by avoiding loss of reduction due to the accomplished rigid fixation. Twenty-two consecutive patients with bicondylar tibial plateau fractures (AO Type C) were included in this study. The mean follow up was 26 months. Bone healing was achieved in all patients with 3 cases of superficial and 1 case of deep infection. Secondary loss of reduction, secondary loss of alignment, early post-traumatic arthritis were not observed in this study. The Lysholm knee score showed an average of 80.5 points (range: 61.5–90) at the final follow up assessment. Optimal fixation of the fracture with dual locked plating which allows immediate motion and partial weight bearing may be an alternative concept to prevent secondary loss of reduction to obtain a good clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) has been used in recent years to treat fractures of the distal radius with volar locking plates. Its advantages are the preservation of the pronator quadratus and good esthetics. The MIPO technique was described originally with two incisions: one distal transverse or longitudinal incision and one proximal longitudinal incision. The trend is now to use a single longitudinal incision less than 20mm long. Functional and radiological outcomes are comparable to those of conventional techniques. The MIPO technique is indicated for extra-articular and intra-articular fractures. Arthroscopy may be used concurrently in the latter case. When the distal radius fracture is associated with a proximal shaft fracture, a double incision is needed to introduce a longer plate. The relative contraindications of the MIPO technique are comminuted intra-articular fractures in osteoporotic elderly patients. If reduction is problematic, a larger incision can easily be made., (Copyright © 2016 SFCM. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The treatment of fractures of proximal and distal tibia is challenging, because of the limited soft tissue envelope and poor vascularity. The best treatment remains controversial and it depends on the fracture morphology, displacement and comminution. Treatment options vary from closed reduction and cast to open reduction and internal fixation with plate. Open reduction and internal fixation with plate can result in extensive dissection and tissue devitalization. We conducted a study on management of these fractures by biological osteosynthesis using Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique with preservation of osseous and soft tissue vascularity. Methods: We conducted a prospective study on closed reduction and percutaneous plating in 30 cases (mean age 42.7 years; 22 males and 8 females) of closed fractures of tibia. Among them 24 had proximal tibial fractures and 6 had distal tibial fractures. The mean time from injury to surgery was seven days. Results: The mean operative time was 72.6 minutes ( range: 55-90 minutes). Mean time for radiological union was 17 weeks (range: 14-22 weeks). There was one superficial wound infection which resolved with daily dressings and one week of oral antibiotics. One patient developed a nonunion which required a bone grafting procedure. Conclusions: The satisfactory functional results and lack of soft tissue complications suggest that this method should be considered in periarticular fractures. Biological fixation of complex fractures gives stable as well as optimal internal fixation and complete recovery of limb function at an early stage with minimal risk of complications.

Introduction: Distal tibial or pilon fractures are usually the result of combined compressive and shear forces, and may result in instability of the metaphysis, with or without articular depression, and injury to the soft tissue. The complexity of injury, lack of muscle cover and poor vascularity make these fractures difficult to treat. Surgical treatment of distal tibial fractures includes several options: external fixation, IM nailing, ORIF and minimally-invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO). Management of distal tibial fractures with MIPO enables preservation of soft tissue and remaining blood supply. This is a report of a series of prospectively studied closed distal tibial and pilon fractures treated with MIPO., Materials and Methods: A total of 21 patients with closed distal tibial or pilon fractures were enrolled in the study between March 2008 and November 2013 and completed follow-up. Demographic characteristics, mechanism of injury, time required for union, ankle range of motion and complications were recorded. Fractures were classified according to the AO/OTA classification. Nineteen patients were initially managed with an ankle-spanning external fixator. When the status of the soft tissue had improved and swelling had subsided enough, a definitive internal fixation with MIPO was performed. Patients were invited for follow-up examinations at 3 and 6 weeks and then at intervals of 6 to 8 weeks until 12 months., Results: Mean age of the patients was 40.1 years (range 19-67 years). Eighteen cases were the result of high-energy trauma and three were the result of low-energy trauma. According to the AO/OTA classification there were extraarticular and intraarticular fractures, but only simple articular patterns without depression or comminution. The average time for fracture union was 19.7 weeks (range 12-38 weeks). Mean range of motion was 10° of dorsiflexion (range 5-15°) and 28.3° of plantar flexion (range 20-35°). Three cases were metalwork-related complications. Two patients underwent plate removal at 24 weeks because of plate impingement. There was one case of wound breakdown at 11 weeks. One patient had fracture union with tibial recurvatum of approximately 10°, without functional impairment. Two patients had delayed union., Conclusion: MIPO is a reliable method of treatment for distal tibial fractures; it provides a high union rate and good functional outcome with minimal soft tissue complications. Skin impingement remains a common complication with MIPO, but this can be solved by timely plate removal., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes between two different plating methods (superior vs. anteroinferior) in minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for acute displaced clavicular shaft fractures., Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized controlled trial was performed in a single centre. Nineteen patients were treated with superior plating and 18 with anteroinferior plating using the MIPO technique. A 3.5-mm locking reconstruction plate was bent preoperatively and applied to either the anteroinferior or superior aspect of the clavicle through two separate incisions. The operating time, time to union, the proportional length difference, complications, and functional outcome of the shoulder joint were evaluated using the Constant score and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score., Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the Constant score and UCLA score. The mean time to union was 16.8 weeks for superior plating and 17.1 weeks for anteroinferior plating (p=0.866). The average operation time was 77.2min in superior plating and 79.4min in anteroinferior plating (p=0.491). One patient in the superior plating group showed plate failure. Despite no significant difference, one patient had nonunion in the superior plating group (p>0.999)., Conclusions: From a clinical perspective, although MIPO with anteroinferior plating provides better outcomes especially in complications without statistically significant difference, both plating methods provided satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes., Level of Evidence: Level I, a single-centre, prospective, randomized controlled trial., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: This study evaluated the clinical and radiologic outcomes, according to fracture type, of proximal humeral fractures treated by the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique., Materials and Methods: Of 85 patients with proximal humeral fractures who were treated by the MIPO technique, 62 were evaluated: 27 with 2-part fractures, 24 with 3-part fractures, and 11 with 4-part fractures. An additional inferomedial screw or fibular allograft was used when severe medial cortical comminution was found in the proximal humerus. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated during the follow-up of 37 months., Results: There was a significant difference in the Constant scores of patients with 4-part fractures compared with those with 3-part fractures (P = .039). The neck-shaft angle in 4-part fractures (121° ± 3°) at final follow-up was significantly lower compared with other fracture types (2-part: 129° ± 9°, P = .036; 3-part: 129° ± 2°, P = .031). Complication rates (72.7%) of 4-part fractures were significantly higher than with other fracture types (2-part, 7.4%; 3-part, 20.8%; P = .001). Sixteen fractures were fixed with an additional inferomedial screw, and 3 patients had insertion of a fibular allograft., Conclusion: Satisfactory clinical and radiologic outcomes were obtained by the MIPO technique in proximal humeral fractures. In addition, medial cortical support can be performed with an inferomedial screw or fibular allograft in the MIPO technique. However, the MIPO technique for 4-part fractures showed relatively inferior outcomes compared with 2- and 3-part fractures. Conversion to open plating is also considered if adequate reduction, that is, a neck-shaft angle >120°, is not able to be obtained in the MIPO technique for 4-part fractures of the proximal humerus., (Copyright © 2014 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

A 25-year-old female mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx - a primate and part of the Old World monkey group) was presented with a mildly comminuted, diaphyseal, radial fracture associated with a transverse ulnar fracture. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis techniques were used to achieve fixation of both the radial and the ulnar fractures. First, closed fracture reduction was achieved with a distraction frame consisting of a motorized circular external skeletal fixator. Next, dual percutaneous radio-ulnar plating was performed using a 2.7 limited-contact dynamic compression plate on the cranial aspect of the radius and two stacked 2.0/2.7 veterinary cut-to-length plates on the lateral aspect of the ulna. Uncomplicated recovery was observed with a complete return to normal activity three months postoperatively. Fracture healing was documented at four weeks, clinical union at 14 weeks, and callus remodelling at 24 weeks postoperatively. This report demonstrates the feasibility of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in a primate and shows the adaptability of this technique across mammalian species.