Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis for Periprosthetic and Interprosthetic Fractures Associated with Knee Arthroplasty: Surgical Technique and Review of Current Literature

Abstract

With the increasing number of total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) being performed, the incidence of periprosthetic fractures adjacent to a TKA is rising. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) has proven to be successful for the biological fixation of many fractures. Advances in surgical instrumentation and techniques made MIPO possible for more complex fractures. Periprosthetic fractures are always complicated by problems of soft tissue incisions, scarring, and, of course, the arthroplasty components. MIPO techniques may be particularly suited to these injuries and may make the surgical repair of these fractures safer and more reliable. In this review, case examples are used to define the indications, preoperative planning, implant selection, complications, limitations, and challenges of MIPO for the treatment of periprosthetic fractures about the knee. When considering MIPO for any fracture, we recommend prioritizing an acceptable reduction with biological fixation and resorting to mini-open or open approach when necessary to achieve it. Awareness of the learning curve of the surgical technique, advances in implant designs, the tips and tricks involved, and the limitations of the MIPO is of paramount importance from the orthopaedic surgeon's perspective.