Lessons learned from the management of complex intra-articular fractures at the base of the middle phalanges of fingers.
The use of dynamic traction splintage is established in the treatment of complex intra-articular phalangeal fractures. Several different systems have been used and we report our experience with one of these, the Pins and Rubber Traction System. A cohort of 14 patients with complex intra-articular fractures at the base of the middle phalanges of the fingers were treated and assessed prospectively over a 2.5-year period (mean, 20 months; range, 7-28 months). The mean active range of motion regained, at the proximal interphalangeal joint, was 74 degrees (range, 0-100 degrees ). The mean total active motion of the injured digit was 196 degrees (range, 40-275 degrees ). Refinements in the regime are suggested as a result of this investigation.
Department of Plastic Surgery, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK.
S
S
Majumder
F
F
Peck
J S
JS
Watson
V C
VC
Lees
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001864:Bone Wires; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D013165:Splints; D014143:Traction / Q000295:instrumentation*