To report the results of patients treated by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for proximal tibial shaft fractures.

From September 2003 to June 2008, thirty-two patients with proximal tibial shaft fractures weretreated by MIPO. There were 22 men and 10 women and mean age was 43.8 years (range; 21~72 years). Follow-up was available for all patients and the mean follow-up period was 19.5 months (range; 12~40 months). Duration of union, range of knee motion and postoperative complications were evaluated.

Twenty-nine patients (90.6%) healed after the MIPO technique. The mean duration of radiographic union was 18.3 weeks (range; 10~28 weeks). The mean range of knee motion was 134 degrees at the last follow-up. There were 1 non-union, 2 delayed unions, 1 superficial infection, 1 deep infection, 2 malunions with more than 5 degrees of malalignment and 14 cases of skin irritation by plate.

MIPO is an effective treatment for closed, proximal tibialshaft fractures. More aggressive treatment such as dual plating should be considered in fractures with severe comminution or bone loss.