Multiple Pinning in Base Fracture of Distal Phalanx

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of multiple pinning in base fracture of distal phalanx. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the results of 8 patients treated with a multiple pinning in fracture of distal phalanx base. There were 7 men and 1 woman, and the mean age was 52.6 years(45~66 years). The type of injury was a crushing injury in 6 patients and, in direct trauma in 2. The injured finger was thumb in 4 patients, index finger in 1, long finger in 1, and ring finger in 2. We used three K-wires for fixative devices in all fractured phalanx. The average removal period of K-wire was 6.5 weeks(5~8 weeks). RESULTS: Postoperatively, immobilization was applied for 6.5 weeks (5~8 weeks). The mean fragment size was 33.8%(10~50%) of long axis of distal phalanx. The range of motion was 1.3degrees (0~5degrees ) in extension lag and 88.1degrees (85~90degrees ) of flexion of the distal interphalangeal joint. CONCLUSION: The multiple pinning of base fracture of distal phalanx was one of the useful method to stabilizing of distal phalanx fracture.