Biomechanical comparison of three different surgical methods in the surgical treatment of distal tibial metaphyseal fractures. An animal model study.

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate mechanical properties of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO), supracutaneousplating (SP), and unilateral external fixators (UEF) which can be performed for open tibial fractures.

Methods: An unstable diaphysial tibia fracture was created in 60 fresh sheep tibia specimens by performing an osteotomy at the middle of bones. Specimens were divided into 3 groups.