Operative treatment for proximal phalangeal neck fractures of the finger in children.
Displacement and inappropriate treatment of a proximal phalangeal neck fracture may result in malunion of the fracture with consequent loss of motion and gross deformity, especially in children. We performed a retrospective study of twenty-four patients who had undergone operative treatment for a proximal phalangeal neck fracture, with a mean follow-up evaluation of 14 months (range: 12-30 months). We analyzed the types of fractures, their causes, operative treatments, complications, and functional outcomes. The age of the patients ranged from 2 to 14 years (average: 4.8 years). Twenty of the 24 patients had open reduction and internal fixation, and fourteen of these 20 patients had criss-cross pin fixation. Four of the 24 patients had closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. The average length of immobilization was 3.5 weeks. Excellent or good results were seen in 18 patients (75%). Two patients had complications, which included volar angular deformity and mild button-hole deformity. We recommend that careful initial radiography, particularly, true lateral view radiographs, be required for proper diagnosis. The best results can only be obtained with accurate anatomical reduction of the fracture and early active motion exercise.
Kang
Ho Jung
HJ
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, National Health Insurance Corporation Ilsan Hospital, 1232 Baeksok-dong, Ilsan-gu, Koyang-shi, Kyonggi- do 411-719, Korea.
Sung
Seung Yong
SY
Ha
Jung Won
JW
Yoon
Hong Kee
HK
Hahn
Soo Bong
SB
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies