Minimally Invasive Surgery of Tibial Plateau Fractures Reduces Incision-Healing Complications of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation

[Background]Recently, minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques have become more common in orthopedics and traumatology practice. MIS techniques may also reduce complications in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures (TPFs).[Objectives]The aim of this study was to compare the radiological and functional outcomes of TPF, treated by MIS techniques and the conventional approach (open reduction and internal fixation).[Methods]The patients were divided into two groups, receiving either MIS (group A) or conventional treatment (group B). Each group consisted of 20 patients. The mean age of patients was 46.8 ± 2.85 years in group A and 50.3 ± 2.41 years in group B. Incision-healing complications were classified based on severity. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Lysholm scale in the first year.[Results]Complete healing without incision-healing complications was reported in all patients from group A, whereas nine incision-healing complications were found in group B (P < 0.001). The mean Lysholm scores of patients in group A and group B were 81.8 ± 1.72 and 76.3 ± 2.27, respectively (P = 0.06). Also, the mean fracture union time in group A and group B was 9.55 ± 0.46 and 10.25 ± 0.71, respectively (P = 0.41).[Conclusions]Widespread use of MIS can be promoted in order to reduce incision-healing complications in TPF. However, further prospective studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm our results.