Minimally-invasive osteosynthesis (MIO) is a surgical technique used to treat fractures and bone deformities with minimal disruption to the surrounding tissues. Minimally-invasive osteosynthesis involves specialised instruments and implants that are used to stabilise the fractured or deformed bone without the need for large incisions or extensive tissue dissection.

The goal of MIO is to promote faster healing, reduce post-surgical pain, and minimise scarring.

MIO is commonly used in orthopaedic surgery for fractures related to the long bones in your body, such as the femur, tibia, and humerus. It can also be used in the treatment of other bone conditions, including deformities and non-unions.

During MIO, small incisions are made (while guided by fluoroscopy or ultrasound imaging) before your orthopaedic surgeon inserts instruments and implants to align and stabilise the bone fracture. This can include screws, plates, rods, or wires. This procedure is performed with precision, allowing for accurate fracture reduction and fixation.

The advantages of MIO include reduced surgical trauma, shorter recovery time, decreased risk of infection, and improved cosmetic outcomes. Additionally, the smaller incisions and minimal tissue disruption often result in less post-surgical pain, allowing you to return to your normal activities much quicker.

• Reduced surgical trauma
• Faster recovery
• Less post-surgical pain and discomfort
• Improved cosmetic outcomes
• Decreased risk of infection
• Lower risk of complications

Minimally-invasive osteosynthesis can be used to treat the following conditions:

• Fractures: fractures such as osteoporotic fractures, paediatric fractures, stress fractures, and pathological fractures of long bones (femur, tibia, and humerus), can be treated with minimally-invasive osteosynthesis.
• Bone deformities: such as malunions– where a fracture has healed but in a less than ideal position, and non-unions– where the bone has inadequate blood supply or lacks stability or both.

The results you can expect from MIO will depend on several factors. This includes the specific conditions being treated, the severity of your injury or deformity, and your individual healing process.

• Improved bone alignment: MIO aims to realign fractures or deformed bones, resulting in improved bone alignment and stability.
• Reduced pain and discomfort: by stabilising the affected bone, MIO can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with the condition or injury.
• Faster healing: the minimally-invasive approach promotes faster healing compared to traditional open surgery, enabling you to recover more quickly.
• Restored function and mobility: with proper healing and alignment, MIO can help restore normal function and mobility to the affected area.
• Improved quality of life: by addressing the underlying condition or injury, MIO can enhance your overall quality of life, allowing you to engage in daily activities with reduced limitations and discomfort.
• Minimised scarring: the smaller incisions used in MIO typically result in smaller scars, which means improved cosmetic outcomes.

Results will vary from person to person, depending on the treatment area, severity of the issue, and your overall health. Your orthopaedist can give you a better idea of what to expect based on your individual needs and circumstances.

The number of treatment sessions needed for MIO will vary depending on the type of condition being treated, the severity of the injury or deformity, and your individual response to the procedure.

In many cases, a single procedure is sufficient to address the issue you are experiencing and promote proper bone healing and alignment.

However, in more complex cases or situations where additional interventions are required, multiple treatment sessions may be necessary. Your orthopaedic surgeon will assess your specific condition and determine the best treatment plan for you. They will consider factors such as the extent of your injury or deformity, the stability of your bone, and your overall health to determine the appropriate number of treatment sessions.