title: [Distal phalangeal fractures of the finger. Results of conservative and surgical treatment].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this study 56 dorsal phalangeal fractures of the distal segment were classified regarding morphological criteria.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical and radiological results after 4 months were analyzed. Fractures including subluxation of the distal interphalangeal joint occurred rarely (n=3) and were treated by surgery. Fractures without subluxation had either a triangle-shaped fragment (n=40) or a fragment similar to a hunter's hat (n=9). Furthermore, there were two fractures with a tiny bony avulsion and two fractures with more radial or ulnar-oriented fragments. The triangle and hunter's hat type fractures were treated either by splinting (n=20) or by open reduction and stabilization with screws and wires (n=29).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Clinical outcome was similar in both groups. In 12 out of the 20 fractures treated by splinting a stepping of the joint surface had to be tolerated. Initially only 8 out of 20 fractures showed a stepping of the joint surface. The fractures treated by surgery showed a better radiological outcome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Initially 27 fractures showed a stepping in the joint line but after surgical treatment only 9 fractures still presented a stepping. The remaining four fractures were successfully treated by splinting.
authors.affiliation: Zentrum für Chirurgie, Klinik für Unfallchirurgie, Hand-, Plastische und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081, Ulm, Deutschland, goran.apic@uniklinik-ulm.de.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Apic
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mentzel
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Röhm
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Schöll
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gülke
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D050278:Finger Phalanges / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013165:Splints; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult