[Dynamic distraction and early reeducation in proximal interphalangeal joint fractures: preliminary results of a 15 patients' prospective series].
BACKGROUND
The authors present early results of the treatment of interphalangeal fractures with external dynamic distractor and early reeducation.


METHODS
Fifteen proximal interphalangeal fractures were treated with a "do-it-yourself" external distracter. Distraction was performed with rubber band or steel stitches. Patients sustained immediate self-mobilization and physiotherapy. Total duration of the treatment was 45 days.


RESULTS
Thirteen patients had good results with normal mobility after three months and recovered 80% of their controlateral force. Algodystrophia occurred in one case with poor functional results. One late management led to severe interphalangeal rigidity.


CONCLUSIONS
External distraction is a safe and economical treatment providing good early results with few complications. Long-term follow-up is necessary to make this procedure a standard-of-care in the management of proximal interphalangeal fractures.
Service de chirurgie maxillofaciale, plastique, esthétique et réparatrice, chirurgie de la main, CHU de Dijon, 3, rue du Faubourg-Raines, BP 1519, 21033 Dijon, France.
N
N
Robe
O
O
Trost
N
N
Kadlub
A
A
Danino
P
P
Trouilloud
I
I
Abu El Naaj
G
G
Malka
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors