Introduction. The current trend towards the use of minimally invasive techniques (MIPO) in the treatment of fractures is justified by the reduced exposure of the fracture and dissection of the muscle planes, which facilitates early recovery. Materials and Methods. We performed a double study, a retrospective descriptive study of a series of 48 cases and a prospective longitudinal study of a series of 23 patients that underwent MIPO after intra-articular distal radius fracture. In addition to the variables: age, sex, side and injury mechanism, etc., functional outcomes, pain, range of motion and strength, through Mayo Wrist Score scale and DASH were assessed. Fractures were classified using the AO guidelines, radiological results and complications were assessed. Results. We conducted the description of surgical approach with surgical images. We analyzed a total of 71 patients, 43 women and 28 men with a mean age of 57 years. The most affected side was the left with 51 cases. According to the Mayo Wrist Score, functional outcome was 68,33 in the first study (retrospective) and 85.86 in the prospective study. A mean loss in strength, measured with a dynamometer of 5,19 Kg. (retrospective) and 2,98 Kg. (prospective), was observed when compared to the contralateral side. Radiographically no intraarticular collapse or loss reduction were observed in prospective study, and consolidation was obtained in 100% of the cases. One case of complex regional pain syndrome was observed and only one case required the removal of material because of dorsal protrusion of a screw in this study. Conclusions. It is a safe technique that allows the reduction and stabilization of fractures of the distal radius. Not only the aesthetic but also functional results are better with MIPO technique.

Introduction. The current trend towards the use of minimally invasive techniques (MIPO) in the treatment of fractures is justified by the reduced exposure of the fracture and dissection of the muscle planes, which facilitates early recovery. Materials and Methods. We performed a double study, a retrospective descriptive study of a series of 48 cases and a prospective longitudinal study of a series of 23 patients that underwent MIPO after intra-articular distal radius fracture. In addition to the variables: age, sex, side and injury mechanism, etc., functional outcomes, pain, range of motion and strength, through Mayo Wrist Score scale and DASH were assessed. Fractures were classified using the AO guidelines, radiological results and complications were assessed. Results. We conducted the description of surgical approach with surgical images. We analyzed a total of 71 patients, 43 women and 28 men with a mean age of 57 years. The most affected side was the left with 51 cases. According to the Mayo Wrist Score, functional outcome was 68,33 in the first study (retrospective) and 85.86 in the prospective study. A mean loss in strength, measured with a dynamometer of 5,19 Kg. (retrospective) and 2,98 Kg. (prospective), was observed when compared to the contralateral side. Radiographically no intraarticular collapse or loss reduction were observed in prospective study, and consolidation was obtained in 100% of the cases. One case of complex regional pain syndrome was observed and only one case required the removal of material because of dorsal protrusion of a screw in this study. Conclusions. It is a safe technique that allows the reduction and stabilization of fractures of the distal radius. Not only the aesthetic but also functional results are better with MIPO technique.