To evaluate the short-term results of two-staged delayed minimal invasive plate osteosynthesis in high-energy intraarticular fractures of the distal tibia.

Thirteen patients, who underwent two-staged delayed minimal invasive plate osteosynthesis for intraarticular fractures of the distal tibia between January 2002 and July 2004, were followed for more than one year. The mean interval time between first stage and second stage of the procedures was 28.6 days (range, 14~34 days). By Ruedi-Allgower classification, there were two cases in type I, three cases in type II, and eight cases in type III. There were six cases in type B and seven cases in type C patients according to AO/OTA classification. Radiographs were graded by the criteria of Burwell and Charnley and ankle functions were graded by the criteria of Mast and Teipner. Union time and postoperative complications were also analysed.

Average union time was 16.9 weeks (range, 14~20 weeks) in twelve of the thirteen fractures, but there was one fracture resulting in soft tissue complication and infected nonunion. At the latest follow-up, review of the radiographic results showed that ten cases of fractures (77%) achieved an anatomic reduction, two cases (15%) achieved fair reduction and one case (8%) achieved a poor reduction. And clinical functional assessment showed that nine cases (69%) were good results, three cases were (23%) fair results and one case (8%) was poor result.

Two-staged delayed minimal invasive plate osteosynthesis is an excellent option for the treatment of high-energy intraarticular fractures of the distal tibia.