Management of Proximal Phalangeal Fractures of the Hand Using Finger Nail Traction and a Digital Splint: A Prospective Study of 43 Cases
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery
;
: 156-162, 2012.
Article
in English
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-101286
ABSTRACT
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.
Full text:
Available
Index:
WPRIM (Western Pacific)
Main subject:
Splints
/
Traction
/
Prospective Studies
/
Range of Motion, Articular
/
Treatment Outcome
/
Finger Phalanges
/
Fractures, Bone
/
Nails
Type of study:
Observational study
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
English
Journal:
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery
Year:
2012
Type:
Article
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