title: Bipartite distal phalanx--watch out for this condition!
abstract: We present a hitherto unreported condition of a bipartite distal phalanx in a child. The condition mimics a fracture and may even lead one to suspect a non-union. Potential pitfalls of such a mistaken diagnosis can include unnecessary splinting or even surgery. This could potentially cause injury to the growth plate with resultant growth arrest. Careful clinical and radiographic examination of both hands combined with an awareness of this condition can help avoid such problems.
authors.affiliation: Christine M Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
authors.forename: Asif
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bhatti
authors.forename: Sunil
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thirkannad
mesh_terms: D001847:Bone Diseases / Q000151:congenital* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005260:Female; D050278:Finger Phalanges / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography