Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in the treatment of isolated ulnar bone fractures.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Minimally invasive internal fixation is also called "biological internal fixation". This concept is used widely in the treatment of various fractures but to date, there have been no report about such application in the repair of isolated ulnar bone fractures. METHODS Eleven patients with fracture of isolated ulnar bone (four AO type 22A11 and seven AO type 22A12), mean age 43.16 (range, 24- 59y), were treated using closed reduction and locking compression plate with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with the aim of minimising soft tissue damage. RESULTS Fractures healed at an average of 7.8 weeks with good to excellent clinical outcomes. There were no complications such as nonunion, implant failure or neurovascular injuries. CONCLUSIONS MIPO seems to be advantageous for soft tissue and bone biology. Good union was seen and fracture complications were also prevented by early mobilisation. KEY WORDS Locking compression plate (LCP), closed reduction, isolated ulnar bone fracture, minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO).