OBJECTIVETo study the therapeutic method and clinical effect of domestic locking plate for treating fracture of the tubiform bone through a minimal incision and bridging fixation.

METHODSAmong 40 patients with fracture of the tubiform bone, 29 patients were male and 11 patients were female, aged from 29 to 69 years, with the average of 38.27 years. Among 34 patients with closed fracture, 7 cases were type A, 10 cases type B, 17 cases type C according to AO/ASIF classification. Among 6 patients with open fracture, 2 cases were type I, 4 cases were type II according to Gustilo classification. These patients were treated with a small incision after manipulative reduction. Locking plate and 3.5 mm diameter Kirschner wire were used to maintain the reduction and through the C-arm X-ray machine to check and adjust the position, screw were locked to bridging fixation at last.

RESULTSForty cases were followed up in 6 months on average (ranging from 4 to 10 months). The average time of union of fracture was 4.6 months (ranging from 3 to 8 months). According to Ovadia typing, the results were excellent in 16 cases, good in 20 cases, fair in 3 cases,poor in 1 case. The excellent and good rate was 90%.

CONCLUSIONSThe domestic locking plate is suitable for patients with osteoporosis and comminuted fracture because of the advantages of reliable fixation and low price. It could achieve the same effect of minimal invasive as LISS (less invasive stabilizing system) plate through the improvement of operative method.