This study analyzed clinical and radiologic results, and complications of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis(MIPO) for distal tibia fracture.

16 patients (17 cases) who were performed MIPO for distal tibia fractures between January 2007 and June 2011, postoperative followed up at least for one year, were selected for this study. The average age was 55.0(26-76) years old and the average period of followup was 15.1(6-27) months. Most of the patients were encouraged to perform ankle dorsiflexion and straight leg raising exercise on splints, from the next day of the operation. As radiologic evaluation, we checked period until bone union, degree of angulation. And postoperative complications were also checked. For functional evaluation of the ankles, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS) score was used.

16 of the 17 cases were achieved primary bone union, and average period of bone union in all the cases was 17.4 (12-42) weeks. Mean varus/valgus angulation after the bone union was 0.8 degrees and mean anteroposterior(AP) angulation was 1.8 degrees. Mean AOFAS score was 85.2(71-95) points; 5 cases of excellent, 10 cases of good, 1 case of fair, showing that 93.8% of the patients represented at least good AOFAS scores. As complications, there were 2 cases of superficial infection, and each 1 case of nonunion and skin irritation. There were no cases of deep infection, metal breakage, nor limb length discrepancy.

MIPO for distal tibia fracture is considered to be an effective operative method, because of its high bone union rate and low complications by minimal disruption of soft tissue and improved bone fixation strength. Also, for earlier return to daily life, ankle joint exercise should be started as soon as possible after the operation.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the short-term results and complications of treating the intertrochanteric fracture with bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA) in elderly population.

We retrospectively reviewed 31 unstable intertrochanteric fracture patients who were treated with BHA between January 2007 and August 2009 in older populations more than 65 years old. The 6 males and 25 females had a mean age of 79.8 years (range: 66-88) and a mean follow-up of 36.3 months (range: 24-55). We analyzed the radiological outcomes, functional recovery grade, using Jensen's social function score and Harris hip score (HHS), and complications.

The average operation time and blood loss was 148.9 min (range, 110-215 min) and 455.2 mL (range, 200-1200 mL). Mean preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin (Hb) was 10.9 g/dL (range, 8.6-13.4 g/dL) and 10.5 g/dL (range, 5.1-14.1 g/dL) respectively. Average 1.3 pints of blood transfusion was performed. Ambulation with (or without) crutch was possible at mean 6.8 days postoperatively. The stability and alignment indices were adequate in all cases at final follow-up. On clinical results, the average HHS score, was changed from 79.7 points (range, 44-100) preoperatively to 73.0 points (range, 46-92) postoperatively, and the preoperative and postoperative Jensen's score was 1.8 (range, 1-3) and 2.1 (range, 1-4) respectively.

The BHA is an acceptable alternative for unstable intertrochanteric fractures in older population.