title: Juxta-epiphyseal fractures of the base of the proximal phalanx of the fingers in children and adolescents.
abstract: A series of 34 juxta-epiphyseal fractures of the base of the proximal phalanx of the fingers of children and adolescents are presented. The pattern of injury appeared identical in all these fractures, with a lateral angulation force separating a small triangular metaphyseal fragment from the base of the phalanx on the side of angulation and the fracture line then continuing through the metaphysis, 1-2 mm distal to the growth plate. Fractures were classified into two types according to the degree of displacement. Type 1 fractures (n=18) were mildly displaced and were all successfully treated with closed reduction and splinting. Type 2 fractures (n=16) were severely displaced and problems with obtaining an adequate reduction and long-term residual deformities were encountered. One patient with a severely displaced fracture required open reduction and Kirschner-wire fixation because of flexor tendon entrapment at the fracture site. Another five cases required Kirschner-wire fixation after closed manipulation in order to maintain the reduction. The remaining 10 patients with Type 2 fractures were treated by closed reduction and splinting, and two patients healed with malunion causing a "pseudo-claw" deformity.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Al-Qattan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001864:Bone Wires; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004838:Epiphyses; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome