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Authors of section

Authors

Raymond White, Matthew Camuso

Executive Editors

Peter Trafton

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MIO - Bridge plating

1. Principles

Bridge plating

Bridge plating uses the plate as an extramedullary splint, fixed to the two main fragments, while the intermediate fracture zone is left untouched. Anatomical reduction of the wedge fragments is not necessary. Furthermore, direct manipulation risks disturbing their blood supply. If the soft-tissue attachments are preserved, and the fragments are relatively well aligned, healing is predictable.
Correction of length, rotation and axial alignment of the main shaft fragments can usually be achieved indirectly, using traction and soft-tissue tension.
Mechanical stability, provided by the bridging plate, is adequate for indirect healing (callus formation).
For minimal invasive surgery, the use of an image intensifier is recommended.

Pearl
If the fibula has a simple fracture pattern, plating this fracture first will provide an indirect reduction of the tibia, establishing length and approximate rotational and axial alignment.

Bridge plating

Bridge plate insertion

Bridge plates can be inserted, as illustrated, either with an open exposure that carefully preserves soft-tissue attachments to the fracture fragments, or with a minimally invasive approach that leaves skin and soft tissue intact over the fracture site.
With the minimally invasive (MIPO) approach, incisions are made proximally and distally, and the plate is inserted through an extraperiosteal tunnel. Such minimally invasive plating should be done using image intensification (if available).

Approach for bridge plate insertion

2. Patient preparation and approaches

Patient preparation

This procedure is normally performed with the patient in a supine position.

Lateral approach (MIO)

The lateral approach is used for minimally invasive osteosynthesis if the medial soft tissues are injured.

This approach is also used when a precontoured plate (eg, LISS plate) is placed laterally, for fixation of proximal and mid-tibial fractures.

mio bridge plating

Medial approach (MIO)

Minimally invasive fixation of tibial fractures is preferably done through the medial approach, especially for distal fractures.

mio bridge plating

3. Reduction

Manual traction

It is important to restore length, axial alignment and rotation.
Apply longitudinal traction to the foot to restore length. When length is restored, correct the axial and rotational alignment.
Compare length, alignment and rotation with the uninjured side.

Manual traction

Distraction

If reduction cannot be achieved by manual traction, use a large distractor for closed reduction. Place one Schanz pin in both the proximal and distal main fragments. Distraction is applied across these pins by turning the thumb screw.

If a distractor is not available, an external fixator can be used instead.
Check reduction, and if necessary, correct rotational deformity.

Reduction aids

4. Plate selection and preparation

Choice of implant

As bridge plating should span a long section of the bone, the length of the implant has to be chosen accordingly. A good rule of thumb is to calculate that one third of the plate should cover the fracture zone, with one third of the length on either side of the fracture. However, the longer the plate, the better. Usually a narrow large fragment plate is chosen.

An angular stable (locking) plate is a good option in osteoporotic bone, and for fractures with a short end segment. Such a plate needs not to be contoured precisely to fit the bone, since it functions as an internal fixator. Attaching it to the bone does not alter fracture alignment, since the screws do not pull the main bone fragments to the plate.

mio bridge plating

Contouring the plate

Minimal contouring will be necessary over the fracture site. However, it may be helpful to contour the ends to fit the bone where the plate will be affixed.

To match the orientation of the anteromedial surface of the distal tibia, the distal end of the plate will need to be twisted.

mio bridge plating

Pearl: plate positioning

If the fracture extends proximally, generally a locking plate is placed laterally because the implant allows us to deal with more proximally located fractures, and may avoid damaged medial soft tissues.

In distal fractures, the preference is to place the plate medially. Anterior and lateral soft tissues (tendon, nerve and blood vessels) make safe placement of the plate laterally difficult.

5. Definitive fixation

Plate insertion - MIPO technique

The plate can be inserted either through the proximal (antegrade) or distal incision (in a retrograde manner).

The tunnel for the plate should be prepared at the time of making the approach either with a specialized tunneling tool, or with blunt instruments.

Plate insertion

Insertion of first screw

Fixation begins at the extremes of the plate, either the proximal end, or the distal end.
Drill with a 3.2 mm drill bit and drill guide centrically through the plate hole. Measure for screw length, tap with a 4.5 mm tap and a protective sleeve and insert the first screw.

Insertion of first screw

Insertion of the second (distal) screw

At this point, length, rotation and coronal alignment should be checked and, if necessary, corrected.
Insert the second screw in the same fashion as described for the first screw.

Insertion of the second screw

Correcting sagittal displacement

Some sagittal displacement can be corrected after the second screw has been inserted by placing a rolled towel, or similar device, underneath the center of the fracture. The weight of the lower limb will usually correct the sagittal displacement.
If image intensification is available, check the completed reduction before inserting further screws.

Correcting sagittal displacement

Insertion of the remaining screws

Alternating from one main fragment to the other, insert the remaining screws.
For these screws, additional small incisions over the plate are necessary.
Place two screws as close to the fracture zone as practicable in each main fragment. A minimum of three screws on each side should be used.

Insertion of the remaining screws

6. Pearl: screws in locking plates

If a locking plate is used, placing the locking screws adjacent to the bridged zone should be avoided.

mio bridge plating

7. Postoperative care

Perioperative antibiotics may be discontinued before 24-48 hours.

After surgery, the patient’s leg should be slightly elevated, with the leg placed on a pillow, 4 cm above the level of the heart.
Attention is given to:

  • Pain control
  • Mobilization without early weight bearing
  • Leg elevation when not walking
  • Thromboembolic prophylaxis
  • Early recognition of complications
orif bridge plating

Soft-tissue protection

A brief period of splintage may be beneficial for protection of the soft tissues, but should last no longer than 1-2 weeks. Thereafter, mobilization of the ankle and subtalar joints should be encouraged.

Mobilization

Active and assisted motion of all joints (hip, knee, ankle, toes) may begin as soon as the patient is comfortable. Attempt to preserve passive dorsiflexion range of motion.

orif bridge plating

Weight bearing

Limited weight-bearing (15 kg maximum), with crutches, may begin as tolerated, but full weight bearing should be avoided until fracture healing is more advanced (10-12 weeks).

orif bridge plating

Follow up

Follow-up is recommended after 2, 6 and 12 weeks, and every 6-12 weeks thereafter until radiographic healing and function are established. Depending on the consolidation, weight bearing can be increased after 6-8 weeks with full weight bearing when the fracture has healed by x-ray.

Implant removal
Implant removal may be necessary in cases of soft-tissue irritation by the implants. The best time for implant removal is after complete bone remodeling, usually at least 24 months after surgery. This is to reduce the risk of refracture.