[Functional treatment of basal joint fractures of three-joint fingers]

Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir. 1993 Nov;25(6):319-29.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Phalangeal fractures have up to now always been treated using a conservative static form of splint. Open reduction and stabilisation is preferred in the case of injuries with severe displacement, shortening, open fractures and joint involvement. In this study, we have shown the results of 86 proximal phalangeal fractures that were treated with "dynamic splinting". In the "intrinsic plus" position a dorsopalmar plaster splint is affixed in combination with a Bedford double finger stall, splinting the injured finger securely to its neighbour. Clinical and X-ray results were evaluated. Oblique, rotational and transverse fractures can be reduced and treated showing good results with dynamic splinting. Bending fractures cannot always be treated with this method. Especially basal fractures with dorsal comminution can be problematic. Comminuted fractures can only be treated with dynamic splinting if they have been primarily adequately reduced. Intraarticular condylar fractures have to be treated surgically. Our results have also shown that the fingers still are freely mobile even when the bone has not healed in an anatomical position.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Casts, Surgical*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Finger Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Finger Injuries / rehabilitation*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fracture Healing / physiology
  • Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Bone / rehabilitation*
  • Fractures, Open / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Open / rehabilitation
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology