Intra-articular loop wire fixation allows joint preservation and early motion in replantation around the proximal interphalangeal joint.
Restoration of motion is an important component of success in digital replantation. This is achieved only with rigid bony fixation that allows early post-operative mobilisation. In addition, the technique used should be simple and avoid excessive soft tissue stripping. These aims are difficult to achieve in amputations near the base of the proximal phalanx with existing bone fixation techniques. We describe a modification of the perpendicular loop wiring technique, where one wire loop is intra-articular, which satisfies the above criteria, and describe its application and results in two clinical cases.
Chew
Winston Y C
WY
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. winston_chew_yc@ttsh.com.sg
Chong
Alphonsus K S
AK
D000328:Adult; D001864:Bone Wires; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012092:Replantation