Treatment of complex interphalangeal joint fractures with dynamic external traction: a series of 20 cases

Plast Reconstr Surg. 2003 Apr 15;111(5):1623-9. doi: 10.1097/01.PRS.0000054160.46502.D0.

Abstract

Data are reported for a series of 20 patients who were treated with the pins and rubbers traction system for fractures of the proximal interphalangeal joints of the long fingers. This technique allows fracture reduction with external dynamic traction and immediate active mobilization. Two patients in the series were lost to follow-up monitoring. For two others, the pins and rubbers traction system needed to be removed early (during the first week) because of intolerance or infection. Sixteen patients who were reexamined after minimal follow-up periods of 1 year demonstrated a mean active range of motion of 85.9 degrees for the injured joint; only one patient experienced intermittent pain.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bone Wires*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Finger Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Finger Injuries / surgery*
  • Finger Joint* / diagnostic imaging
  • Finger Joint* / physiopathology
  • Finger Joint* / surgery
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fracture Healing / physiology
  • Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Bone / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Joint Dislocations / diagnostic imaging
  • Joint Dislocations / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging
  • Postoperative Complications / physiopathology
  • Radiography
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
  • Traction / instrumentation*