Matchstick-Shaped Bone Grafting for the Treatment of Distal Phalangeal Nonunion

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiological results after osteosynthesis of distal phalangeal nonunion with bone defect by using matchstick-shaped bone graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen distal phalangeal nonunions were treated with osteosynthesis using matchstick-shaped bone graft from September, 2009 to October, 2010. The mean age of patients was 36.1 years (range 15 to 56 years). This study included 4 women and 10 men. The mean duration of follow-up was 16.8 months (range 12 to 20 months). We evaluated radiographs, and measured postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score and pinch power. RESULTS: Union was achieved in all cases at a mean of postoperative 5.5 weeks (range 4 to 6 weeks). The mean VAS score improved from 7.25 (range 5 to 9) to 1.0 (range 0 to 2) postoperatively. The mean postoperative pinch power was 7.75 lbs (range 4 to 13 lbs) compared to opposite pinch power of 9.63 lbs (range 5 to 15 lbs). There was no scar problem, pinch pain and other complication. CONCLUSION: Steosynthesis of distal phalageal nonunion with bone defect by using matchstick-shaped bone graft is technically feasible and simple in that it does not need volar incision and debridement. It is considered as an effective treatment option in distal phalangeal nonunion with bone defect.