To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of minimally invasive plate, osteosynthesis, using either a locking compression plate-distal tibia (LCP-DT) or Zimmer periarticular locking plate (ZPLP) for distal tibia fractures.

Fifty one patients (51 cases), who underwent minimally invasive osteosynthesis using locking compression plate for distal tibia fractures between October 2008 and August 2011, were followed for more than six months. Eighteen patients were treated with LCP-DT and 33 patients with ZPLP. Time to bony union and anatomic alignment were evaluated radiologically. Clinically, American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scales (AOFAS score) and range of ankle motion were assessed and compared between two groups.

All patients achieved bony union at an average of 18 weeks on LCP-DT group and 16weeks on ZPLP group. The average American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scales was 83.3 points on the LCP-DT group, 84.6 points on the ZPLP group, and range of ankle motion averaged at 45 degrees, 48 degrees, respectively.

Both types of locking compression plates were effective when performing minimally invasive osteosynthesis for distal tibia fractures.