Advancing fracture management: the role of minimally invasive osteosynthesis in orthopedic trauma care

Abstract

Purpose Minimally Invasive Osteosynthesis (MIO) developed to be a key technique in orthopedic trauma surgery, offering a less invasive alternative for managing fractures in various anatomical regions. However, standardized guidelines for its application are lacking. This study aims to establish comprehensive principles for MIO to guide surgeons in treating different types of fractures and its locations. Methods A retrospective analysis including 57 fractures in 53 patients was conducted. All patients were treated with MIO. Study range - March 2017 to January 2022 at a Level-I trauma university hospital. The analysis covered various fracture types, focusing on surgical approaches, reduction techniques, plate insertion methods, and its outcomes. The efficacy and safety of MIO was evaluated by analyzing complications, fracture healing time, and necessary revision surgeries. Results MIO is a versatile and effective fracture treatment that minimized soft tissue damage and ensured stable osteosynthetic results. Articular fractures typically used a “one way up” plate insertion technique, while non-articular fractures applied an “inside-up-and-down” approach. Low complication rates confirmed the safety and efficiency of MIO. Conclusion This research established generalized principles for MIO, offering a systematic approach that can be applied for various fracture types and its locations, by overall enhancing the surgical efficiency as well as patient recovery, without compromising outcomes. Level of evidence This study is classified as Level III evidence according to “The Oxford 2011 Levels of Evidence”.