OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical effects of manipulative reduction and percutaneous locking compression plate internal fixation for the treatment of mid-distal tibiofibula shaft fractures.

METHODSFrom January 2006 to October 2009,46 patients suffering from mid-distal tibiofibula shaft fractures were treated with closed manipulative reduction and LCP, involved 27 males and 19 females with an average age of 39 years old ranging from 17 to 56 years. According to AO classification, there were 12 cases of type A, 24 of type B, 10 of type C. The duration of visiting hospital were from 2 hours to 3 days after being injured for these patients. The injured limbs of the patients were swollen and painful,even with bony crepitus. The wound, function of the injured limb and union of fractures were observed after operation.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up from 12 to 18 months (averaged 15 months). It was found that the wound of all patients had primary healing without any infection. The fracture healing time was 12 to 18 weeks (means 14 weeks). The results were excellent in 40 cases,good in 4 and fair in 2.

CONCLUSIONLess invasive, more stable fixation, shorter healing time and better functional rehabilitation are observed in the treatment of mid-distal tibiofibula shaft fractures after manipulative reduction and percutaneous locking compression plate internal fixation.