title: Management of posttraumatic proximal interphalangeal joint contracture.
abstract: Chronic flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint presents a common yet challenging problem to hand surgeons. Over the years, multiple treatment modalities have been described for this problem, producing limited results. Nonoperative treatment using serial casting and splints should be tried before attempting open surgical release, which should be done in selected patients. The use of external fixation for treating PIP contracture has been encouraging and can be a useful alterative. This review provides an update on the current management of PIP joint contractures and presents a flowchart of treatment to aid decision making.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Braintree Community Hospital, Mid Essex, UK. sh_houshian@yahoo.dk
authors.forename: Shirzad
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Houshian
authors.forename: Shan Shan
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Jing
authors.forename: Chandrasekar
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chikkamuniyappa
authors.forename: Gholam Hussein
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Kazemian
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Emami-Moghaddam-Tehrani
mesh_terms: D003286:Contracture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D020127:Recovery of Function; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Contracture; PIP joint; distraction; external fixation; open release