To assess the results of staged MIPO (Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis) for proximal tibial fractures with compromised soft tissue.

Eighteen proximal tibial fractures (AO 41:9 cases, AO 42:9 cases) included this study. Ten were open fractures. After temporary external fixation until soft tissue healed (mean 27.3 days), MIPO was performed secondarily without bone graft. We assessed the bony union and knee function, and affecting factors of the results were investigated.

All fractures united at 20 weeks (range, 11~32) except 1 case. Mean range of knee flexion was 134.4° and mean IOWA knee score was 89.1. There were 2 superficial and 2 delayed deep infections from open fractures (grade II:1 case, grade III:3 cases), although they healed after implant removal. Open fractures seem to influence the infection rate. Otherwise, there was no related factor affecting the results.

MIPO after temporary external fixation can provide favorable results in proximal tibial fractures with soft tissue injuries, but attention of delayed infection should be paid in open fractures.