Transection of the anterior tibial artery during minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis of the proximal tibia

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) techniques have been developed to protect the blood flow to tissues surrounding fractures and reduce the risk of non-union. Typically, MIPO involves the insertion of a plate through a small incision and fixation with percutaneously applied screws targeted fluoroscopically. Here we present a case of a transected anterior tibial artery during routine minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis of a tibial plateau fracture to highlight a rare complication of this type of surgery and discuss relevant anatomical considerations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: According to the OCEBM Levels of Evidence Working Group, this study is graded as a Level of Evidence IV.