Syringe External Fixator: An Inexpensive Static-to-Dynamic Treatment for Comminuted Intra-Articular Phalangeal Fractures

Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg. 2020 Sep;24(3):126-130. doi: 10.1097/BTH.0000000000000280.

Abstract

Comminuted intra-articular phalanx fractures are complicated injuries often treated with external fixation. The ideal external fixation system should be affordable, readily available, adaptable, and easy to use. The use of dynamic external fixation has advanced the care of these injuries but can be difficult to implement. The authors present a case example of a patient with a comminuted intra-articular phalangeal fracture of the left small finger treated using a syringe as a static uniplanar fixator that was converted to a dynamic fixator during postoperative recovery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Equipment Design
  • External Fixators*
  • Finger Phalanges / injuries
  • Finger Phalanges / surgery*
  • Fractures, Comminuted / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Intra-Articular Fractures / surgery*
  • Male
  • Syringes*