Abstract:

Objective To investigate the clinical application of minimally invasive fixation of complex proximal tibia fractures by uniaxial and polyaxial locking plates. Methods The clinical data of 38 patients with minimally invasive fixation of complex proximal tibia fractures by uniaxial (n=21) and polyaxial (n=17) locking plates from January 2008 to June 2009 were retrospectively analysed, and the union rates and function recovery were compared between groups. Results All patients were followed up for 3 to 20 months, with an average of 12 months. All patients had bone union. The time of fracture union for fixation by uniaxial locking plates was 10 to 20 weeks, with an average of 14 weeks; and that for fixation by polyaxial locking plates was 11 to 18 weeks, with an average of 13 weeks. Evaluated by Johner-Wruhs method, there were 14 “excellent” cases, 5 “better” cases, 2 “good” cases and 0 “poor” case for fixation by uniaxial locking plates (rate of “excellent and better”, 90.4%), and there were 11 “excellent” cases, 5 “better” cases, 1 “good” case and 0 “poor” case for fixation by polyaxial locking plates (rate of “excellent and better”, 94.1%). Conclusion Minimally invasive fixation of complex proximal tibia fractures by uniaxial and polyaxial locking plates is stable, has less effects on bone blood supply, high bone union rate and favourable function recovery, and is an effective way in the treatment of complex proximal tibia fractures. Fixation by uniaxial locking plate has a better mechanical intensity, while fixation by polyaxial locking plate can adjust the screw angle according to fracture situation, which can be clinically applied accordingly.

Key words: uniaxial locking plate, polyaxial locking plate, minimally invasive, proximal tibia fracture