To compare the effectiveness between minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) and interlocking IM nailing in the treatment of distal tibia fracture without involvement of ankle joint retrospectively.

38 patients with distal tibia fracture from Jan. 2004 to Oct. 2005 were divided into two groups. Minimum follow-up was for 12 months. Group MIPO consisted of 18 patients were treated with MIPO and group Nail consisted of 20 patients were treated with interlocking intramedullary nail. The results were compared between two groups by assessing bony union time and operation time. Clinical evaluation was evaluated by Olerud score.

The mean bony union time was 14.4 weeks (12~17 weeks) in group MIPO and 16.7 weeks (13~19 weeks) in group Nail (p=0.011). The mean operation time was 1.05 hours (0.6~1.6 hours) in group MIPO and 0.74 hours (0.4~1.1 hours) in group Nail (p=0.044). The Olerud score was 83.8 (75~100) in group MIPO and was 89.6 (70~100) in group Nail (p=0.075). In Complication, group MIPO showed one metal failure and two skin irritations, group Nail showed three superficial wound infections.

MIPO was the shorter bony union time and the longer operation time than the interlocking intramedullary nailing. There were no significant differences between the two groups in clinical results.