Nail hooks and elastic bands external dynamic traction for fractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint.
Intra-articular fractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint remain a treatment challenge for hand specialists. The purpose of this investigation was to review the results of 12 patients, 6 men and 6 women (average age, 21 y), who were treated using the nail hooks and elastic bands external dynamic traction technique for their intra-articular proximal interphalangeal joint fractures. Of the total 12 fractures, 6 involved the proximal phalanx and 6 involved the middle phalanx. The final arc of motion at the proximal interphalangeal joint averaged 89 degrees (range, 25 to 111 degrees). At the conclusion of treatment: 1 patient developed a radial deviation and 1 developed a slight ulnar deviation. All patients were able to return to their preinjury level of functioning. Nail hooks and elastic bands external dynamic traction provides an effective treatment for intra-articular proximal interphalangeal joint fractures. It is an inexpensive, easily applied, nonoperative method of treatment.
Niagara Plastic Surgery Centre, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada. farhaj.siddiqui@gmail.com
Farhaj
F
Siddiqui
Shahan
S
Hossain
Nasimul
N
Huq
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D057072:Intra-Articular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D014143:Traction / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult