[Treatment of phalangeal fractures using the mini-hook plate. An alternative for surgical fixation of small phalangeal bone fragments?].
BACKGROUND
Fixation of the small bony fragments of the phalanges is often difficult. In this study a clinical and radiological evaluation was carried out after operative treatment using the mini-hook plate.


METHODS
Between 2003 and 2006 a total of 36 fractures were treated operatively using the mini-hook plate. Of the patients 24 had an basal avulsion fracture of the distal phalanx and 11 patients (12 fractures) had other bony avulsion fractures of the phalanges. The patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically as well as using the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire.


RESULTS
A total of 29 patients with 30 fractures were examined. The mean follow-up was 13.6 months. The mean range of motion in the affected finger joint was 60.3 ° and the mean DASH score was 2.8 points. Postoperatively five nail growth defects, one infection and one secondary dislocation of the implant were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Using the mini-hook plate, preservation of the joint and stable internal fixation with no need for temporary arthrodesis is possible; however, prerequisites are experience and skill of the surgeon with a difficult surgical technique.
Zentrum für muskuloskeletale Chirurgie, Klinik und Poliklinik für Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55101, Mainz, Deutschland, isabella.mehling@unimedizin-mainz.de.
I
I
Mehling
L
L
Rudig
L P
LP
Müller
A P
AP
Mehling
T
T
Kretzer
P M
PM
Rommens
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; 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 / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult