To assess the result of staged minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for distal tibial fracture with an open wound or injured soft tissue.

In 20 patients (mean age, 47.8 year-old) with distal tibial fractures, there were 4 type A fractures and 16 type C fractures based on the AO classification system. Eight of the 20 patients had open fractures. MIPO was performed on average 23.9 days after bridging external fixation. At the final follow-up, we assessed the radiological results of bone union and alignment. Functional results were also evaluated by measuring the degrees of ankle motion and the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores.

Seventeen of 20 cases (85%) achieved primary union at an average of 21.3 weeks. There were 3 cases of nonunion requiring a bone graft. The mean AOFAS score was 88.5 (range, 67~92) and the average range of ankle motion was 49.2° (plantarflexion: 37.4°, dorsiflexion: 11.8°). Complication included 2 cases of minor mal-alignment, 1 case of claw toe and 1 case of peroneal neuropathy. Patients over the age of 60 had lower functional results. Additional factors did not affect the final results.

Staged MIPO may achieve satisfactory results in distal tibial fractures with soft tissue compromise, decreasing deep infections and soft tissue complications.