Comparison of outcomes from minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) versus open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in radial fracture gap models

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate fracture healing after minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) via radiographic scoring, visual lameness scoring, weight bearing time, range of motion (ROM), experimentally. The experimental fracture gap models in this study were divided into two groups: six dogs in Group A received ORIF; four dogs in Group B received MIPO. For each animal, the age, sex, breed, body weight, and follow-up duration were recorded. Radiography results revealed that Group B recovered better than Group A. Visual lameness scoring and weight bearing time showed that animals in Group B were able to bear weight on the affected limb significantly faster than those in Group A. The ROM was higher in Group B than in Group A in the early stages and gradually increased in all dogs over the course of 12 weeks. In present study, radial fractures managed with MIPO showed more rapid recovery in the early healing stage than those managed with ORIF in clinical and functional outcomes.