Le fratture dell’estremo distale di femore e della tibia: la nostra esperienza con la tecnica MIPO

A retrospective evaluation of radiographic/clinical outcomes and postoperative complications, in patients treated for distal femur and tibia fractures with MIPO technique was performed. Between March 2009 and December 2010, at the University Hospital of Rome we treated 25 patients (28 fractures) with distal femur and distal tibia fractures using the MIPO technique. The mean age of the patients was 50 years, 21 with distal femur and 7 with distal tibia fractures. AO classification system was used. Minimum follow up was of 6 months (6–20). Participants also completed the Lysholm and Olerud/Molander questionnaire to provide a subjective measure of knee and anke function. Radiographic assessment was performed post-operatively and consequently every 2 months up to 1 year using the standard AP and LL views. Damage control was used when necessary. The mean healing time was 12 weeks. No significant varus/valgus deformities or rotational defects were detected. We observed very good clinical outcomes with high range of motion and complete weight bearing after bone healing. A high Lysholm and Olerud/Molander questionnaire score was obtained. There were no cases of pseudoartrosis, superficial/deep infection, implant failure or hardware impingement. To date none of these implants was removed. Several studies have observed very good outcomes and a very low rate of complications in treating these fractures with MIPO technique. Our experience confirms the validity of the technique.