Closed management of fractures of the proximal and middle phalanges by percutaneous Kirscher wire fixation

Fourty two fractures of the proximal and middle phalanges of the fingers were treated by percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation under local anaesthesia. In transverse, short oblique and fracture separation of the epiphysis an intramedullary pin was used. In long oblique and comminuted fractures two or more oblique crossing wires perpendicular to the fracture lines were used. After a period of follow up between 4 to 12 months with an average of 7.2 months the results obtained were 71.4% good, 14.1% fair and 14.1% poor. Among the complications met with were flexion deformities of the interphalangeal joints in 19%, angulation deformities in the fracture site in 14.3%. Boutonniere deformity on the other hand occured in two cases