Ablation de plaque du radius distal par voie mini-invasive (MIPO) : étude de faisabilité à propos d’une série de 388 cas

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility of a minimally-invasive surgical technique (MIPO) to perform the removal of anterior osteosynthesis plates for fractures of the distal radius. Methods We reviewed retrospectively 388 cases of removal of plates on 387 patients, of which 357 were women, with an average age of 50 years old. The incision followed the previous surgical scar. After the removal of the plate, the incision was closed using a subcuticular suture without drains or immobilization. Results The scar was in average 22,2 mm long preoperatively, 19,8 mm long in average after the incision, and 21,4 mm in average at the end of the surgery, without significant statistical difference. The scar was enlarged 13 times by involuntary skin tear and 11 times voluntarily with a scalpel. We experienced 29 device-related complications, one osseous slot without consequence and one fractured plate. No postoperative complications were encountered. Conclusion Our results show that it is possible to perform the removal of an anterior osteosynthesis plate of the distal radius by a 20 mm long surgical approach. A subsequent study comparing the MIPO technique to conventional surgical approaches will be needed to validate it.