title: Treatment of difficult PIP joint fractures with a mini-external fixation device.
abstract: Closed intra-articular proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint fractures--often with accompanying joint subluxation--constitute a difficult treatment problem. This article presents an alternative method consisting of closed treatment of complex PIP joint fractures with a mini-external fixator. The method utilizes the traction principle without necessitating a complex outrigger system. Immobilization is reduced to 3 weeks and monitored with a mini-fluoro unit. The three cases presented had 1- to 2-year follow-up and excellent clinical results despite suboptimal roentgenographic appearance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Stark
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000502:physiology; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular