Introduction: In the past distal tibia fractures, including intraarticular fractures, frequently led to poor functional outcomes. The Ruedi-Allgower four steps open method, and later the Patterson and Sirkin recommendations for delayed operative treatment has made a drastic advancement in the treatment of these fractures. The two-stage minimally-invasive protocol using locking plate fixation proved a historical turning point, improving functional results to the highest levels compared to all other methods.
Aim: To present the superior results of the two-stage minimally-invasive method using locking plate fixation, making this a historic step forward in treating distal tibia fractures.
Material and methods: A prospective longitudinal study, collecting data from Traumatology-Clinic in the 2014-2016 periods, available for nine-month follow-up. Twenty-three patients were finally included in the study.
Results: In analysing the data collected, we focused our attention on the final functional outcomes as indicated by dorsiflexion nine months after injury and also according to the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. Results were excellent with no or minimal consequences. Where complications were present, these were benign and did not require further surgery.
Conclusion: We believe this modern method for the treatment of distal tibia fractures should be applied routinely and considered as the gold standard in this domain.
Keywords: anatomic pre-shaped locking plate; distal tibia; functional results; locking plate; minimally invasive approach.