Comparison of Surgical Outcomes and Perioperative Laboratory Parameters Following Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis versus Conventional Plating in Long Bone Fractures.

INTRODUCTION

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) has been increasingly adopted as an alternative to conventional open reduction and internal fixation due to its potential to preserve soft-tissue integrity and enhance fracture healing. This study aimed to compare surgical outcomes and perioperative laboratory parameters between MIPO and conventional plating.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A prospective comparative study was conducted on 60 patients with long bone fractures, divided equally into MIPO (n = 30) and conventional plating (n = 30) groups. Intraoperative parameters, perioperative laboratory values (hemoglobin [Hb], total leukocyte count [TLC], C-reactive protein [CRP], and serum creatinine), and post-operative outcomes, including time to union and complications, were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests, with P < 0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. The MIPO group demonstrated significantly shorter operative duration (72.5 ± 14.3 vs. 89.6 ± 16.8 min), reduced blood loss (118.4 ± 36.7 vs. 245.2 ± 52.1 mL), lower transfusion requirement (10.0% vs. 33.3%), and shorter hospital stay (6.2 ± 1.5 vs. 9.1 ± 2.3 days) (P < 0.05). Post-operative Hb levels were significantly higher, while TLC and CRP levels were significantly lower in the MIPO group on days 1 and 3 (P < 0.001). Mean time to union was shorter in the MIPO group (14.8 ± 2.6 vs. 17.2 ± 3.1 weeks, P = 0.002). Union rates and complication rates were comparable between groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

MIPO offers superior perioperative outcomes and reduced inflammatory response with comparable union rates and complications, making it an effective alternative to conventional plating.