title: Functional Outcomes Following Pilon Fractures of the Middle Phalanx Managed with the Ligamentotaxor External Fixator.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The surgical aims in managing displaced intra-articular fractures of the base of the middle phalanx include early joint reduction, maintaining congruence and early mobilization. Achieving this can be a challenge. However dynamic external fixators offer a solution. The study aim was to evaluate the use and outcomes of the Ligamentotaxor external fixator in patients with such injuries.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 12 patients were managed with this device and outcomes were assessed. All patients reached clinical and radiological union.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An average range of movement to the proximal interphalangeal joint of 63° was noted along with an average end of care-cycle quick-DASH score of 9.1. Two patients developed pin-site infections.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The outcomes seen support the use of the Ligamentotaxor in the management of middle phalanx intra-articular fractures. It is simple to apply, potentially avoids the secondary complications of open reduction and gives reproducible results. However judicious patient selection is advised.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgery, Kings College Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: Toby
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Colegate-Stone
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgery, Kings College Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: Kebba
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Marenah
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgery, Kings College Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Compson
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgery, Kings College Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: Ramon
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tahmassebi
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgery, Kings College Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: Adel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tavakkolizadeh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004867:Equipment Design; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D057072:Intra-Articular Fractures / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Fracture; Intra-articular; Ligamentotaxor; Proximal interphalangeal joint