A STUDY OF FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF PROXIMAL TIBIA FRACTURES TREATED WITH MINIMALLY INVASIVE PERCUTANEOUS PLATE OSTEOSYNTHESIS TECHNIQUE – A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background Proximal tibia fractures, often resulting from high-velocity injuries or fall from great heights, pose significant challenges due to their complexity ,intraarticular extension and post operative complications. This study aims to evaluate Minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis technique in treating these fractures, focusing on functional outcome. Aim and Objective Aim:  To assess the functional outcome of Minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis technique in proximal tibia fractures using modified Rasmussen score at the end of 1, 3 and 6 months. Objectives:  To evaluate the pain after Minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis technique in proximal tibia fractures using Visual analogue score.  To assess the functional outcome of Minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis technique in proximal tibia fractures using modified Rasmussen score at the end of 1, 3 and 6 months. xvi Methodology This prospective observational study included 35 patients aged 18 years and above with proximal tibia fractures treated at R.L. Jalappa Hospital and Research Centre. Data on demographics, comorbidities, fracture type, and outcomes were collected. After considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, Patients underwent Minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis technique for proximal tibia fractures and were followed up at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Results Patients with proximal tibia fractures had an average age of 43.91 years; 74.29% of the individuals were of the male gender, and the remaining 25.71% were of the female gender. 40% of patients had left side injuries, and 60% of patients had right side injuries. 31.43% of patients had schatzker type IV. There were significant improvements in functional outcomes as measured by Modified Rasmussen score, with most patients showing substantial increases by 6 months post-op. In an average of twenty weeks, most fractures were satisfactorily united. And there was a significant decrease in pain score during the follow-up. Complications were minimal and included surgical site infection in one case. xvii Conclusion From the study findings it can be concluded that proximal tibia fractures treated with Minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis technique had significant functional improvement. Modified Rasmussen score significantly improved from the first month to the third and sixth months. At one, three and six months, the VAS score showed a substantial reduction in pain. In this study, a lower rate of complications was seen. MIPPO favor biological environment for further healing(biological fixation) as it preserves vascularity and fracture hematoma. Fracture healing is noted with better outcome as compared to other methods.