Comparison of Surgical Outcomes and Perioperative Laboratory Parameters Following Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis versus Conventional Plating in Long Bone Fractures

Introduction: Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) has been increasingly adopted as an alternative to conventional open reduction and internal fixation due to its potential to preserve soft-tissue integrity and enhance fracture healing. This study aimed to compare surgical outcomes and perioperative laboratory parameters between MIPO and conventional plating. Materials and Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted on 60 patients with long bone fractures, divided equally into MIPO (n = 30) and conventional plating (n = 30) groups. Intraoperative parameters, perioperative laboratory values (hemoglobin [Hb], total leukocyte count [TLC], C-reactive protein [CRP], and serum creatinine), and post-operative outcomes, including time to union and complications, were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests, with P < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. The MIPO group demonstrated significantly shorter operative duration (72.5 ± 14.3 vs. 89.6 ± 16.8 min), reduced blood loss (118.4 ± 36.7 vs. 245.2 ± 52.1 mL), lower transfusion requirement (10.0% vs. 33.3%), and shorter hospital stay (6.2 ± 1.5 vs. 9.1 ± 2.3 days) (P < 0.05). Post-operative Hb levels were significantly higher, while TLC and CRP levels were significantly lower in the MIPO group on days 1 and 3 (P < 0.001). Mean time to union was shorter in the MIPO group (14.8 ± 2.6 vs. 17.2 ± 3.1 weeks, P = 0.002). Union rates and complication rates were comparable between groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: MIPO offers superior perioperative outcomes and reduced inflammatory response with comparable union rates and complications, making it an effective alternative to conventional plating.