title: Fractures of the distal phalanges.
abstract: A prospective study of 110 patients with fractures of the distal phalanx indicates that less than one in three patients with such injuries will have recovered after six months. Less than one half of distal phalangeal fractures will have united by then. Factors that carry a poor prognosis include osteolysis of fractured fragments, subungual haematomas and non-union of fractures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Accident and Emergency Medicine, Leicester Royal Infirmary.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: DaCruz
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Slade
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Malone
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D013997:Time Factors; D014945:Wound Healing