Subcondylar fossa reconstruction for malunion of fractures of the proximal phalanx in children.
Subcondylar fractures of the proximal or middle phalanx occur at the neck of the phalanx, usually as a result of a crush injury, and almost exclusively in the pediatric age group. The distal fragment rotates dorsally and the degree of displacement may be misjudged if a true lateral radiograph is not obtained. If malunion occurs, there is a block to flexion. Subcondylar fossa reconstruction by removal of bone through a palmar approach removes this bony block. Three patients are presented in whom this procedure allowed an average increase in flexion of 41.7 degrees.
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
B P
BP
Simmons
T T
TT
Peters
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D014945:Wound Healing