Treatement of Osteomyelitis and Soft Tissue Infection of Fingers Using Mini External Fixator

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Finger is the one of the common site of open fracture, and it causes osteomyelitis of the phalanges. The purpose is to analyze the efficacy of management of chronic osteomyelitis in hand phalanges with mini external fixatior. METHODS: From March 2002 to December 2008, we experienced 8 cases of chronic osteomyelitis in hand phalanges. One case was a phalangeal infection after toe transfer, and three cases were the epiphyseal injury of phalanx in children. All cases used mini external fixator. Soft tissue coverage was performed using rotational flap in 4 cases, pedicled flap in 3, and cross finger flap in 1. Additional operation was required a mean of 2.2 times per patients. RESULTS: All cases achieved soft tissue coverage, eradication of osteomyelitis and bony union. However, five cases had bone shortening due to severe infection, and two cases showed mild growth disturbance. CONCLUSIONS: Mini external fixator is effective in management of osteomyelitis occurred in hand phalanges.