title: Dorsal versus lateral plate fixation of finger proximal phalangeal fractures: a retrospective study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Unstable proximal phalanx fractures are relatively common injuries but consensus of standard treatment is lacking. Outcomes following plate fixation are highly variable, and it remains unclear which factors are predictive for poorer results. The purpose of this study was to compare dorsal and lateral plate fixation of finger proximal phalangeal fractures with regard to factors that influence the outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective chart review of proximal phalanx fractures treated with dorsal and lateral plating over a 6-year study interval was performed. Demographic data and injury-specific factors were obtained from review of clinic and therapy notes of 42 patients. Fractures were classified based on the OTA classification using preoperative radiographs. Outcomes investigated included final range of motion (ROM) and total active motion (TAM) of all finger joints. Complications and revision surgeries were also analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fracture comminution, dorsal and a lateral plate position, occupational therapy, and demographic factors did not significantly influence the outcome, complication, and revision rate after plate fixation of finger proximal phalangeal fractures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on the results of this study, no differences in the outcome of finger proximal phalangeal fractures treated by both dorsal and lateral plate fixation were observed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Therapeutic, retrospective comparative, level III.
authors.affiliation: Louisville Arm and Hand, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.|Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center, P.C., Thomas Jefferson University, The Franklin, Suite G114, 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
authors.forename: Luke P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center, P.C., Thomas Jefferson University, The Franklin, Suite G114, 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA. michaelpgaspar@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Michael P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Gaspar
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center, P.C., Thomas Jefferson University, The Franklin, Suite G114, 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
authors.forename: Adam B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Strohl
authors.affiliation: Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
authors.forename: Seth L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Teplitsky
authors.affiliation: Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
authors.forename: Shiv D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Gandhi
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center, P.C., Thomas Jefferson University, The Franklin, Suite G114, 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
authors.forename: Patrick M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Kane
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center, P.C., Thomas Jefferson University, The Franklin, Suite G114, 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
authors.forename: A Lee
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Osterman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; 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 / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Complications; Dorsal plate fixation; Interphalangeal joint stiffness; Lateral plating; Phalangeal fracture; Proximal phalanx