Hand Fractures

Hand fractures are the second most common fracture in the upper extremities after the distal radius, and patients with these injuries may be experienced in hand surgery clinics. On the other hand, during the treatment of hand fractures, complications can occur due to complex functions of the hand and small-sized injuries to the bone and soft tissues. This review focused on the principles of management of these fractures, including injury mechanism, evaluations and recent treatment options. Minimally invasive surgery in various types of hand fractures, including the phalanx and metacarpal bone, is preferred because early mobilization after surgery has been emphasized to reduce complications, such as stiffness.

Management of Proximal Phalangeal Fractures of the Hand Using Finger Nail Traction and a Digital Splint: A Prospective Study of 43 Cases

BACKGROUND: Proximal phalangeal fractures are common fractures of the hand. The fractures are difficult to treat because of vicinity of two important joints and crossing long tendons. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of nail traction technique in the management of proximal phalangeal fractures of the hand. METHODS: Patients (n=43) with proximal phalangeal fractures were treated by nail traction and evaluated prospectively. We assessed all the patients at the time of presentation and then followed a standard protocol for recruiting patients. After application of nail traction, the patients were initially assessed at 12th day. The outcome measures included post reduction radiographic evaluation and total active motion (TAM) in finger at the final follow-up appointment. All the patients were followed for one year. RESULTS: The post-reduction X-ray evaluation showed good reduction in 33 cases, fair reduction in 8 and poor reduction in 2 cases. At final assessment, 35 patients had good TAM score, six had fair and two had poor TAM score. Complications were noted in two patients and these included pressure necrosis in palm and stiffness in proximal interphalangeal joint. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this prospective study show that with careful selection of patients, nail traction seems to be simple, safe and effective technique for managing proximal phalangeal fractures.