Intramedullary nailing of proximal phalangeal fractures

J Hand Surg Am. 1995 Sep;20(5):808-12. doi: 10.1016/S0363-5023(05)80436-8.

Abstract

A retrospective review of 25 consecutive patients with 28 proximal phalangeal fractures was performed. Fractures of the thumb were excluded. Twenty-five fractures were closed and three were open. All fractures were reduced, closed, and fixed using flexible intramedullary fixation with 0.8-mm prebent nails. Fractures amenable to flexible intramedullary fixation include short oblique and transverse fractures. Contraindications include long oblique, spiral, and bicortical comminuted fractures. The average follow-up time was 10 months (range, 2-20). Five patients with six fractures were lost to follow-up evaluation. All of the remaining 23 fractures healed and there were no infections. An average of 2 degrees angulation was seen on anteroposterior x-ray films. One patient showed 4 degrees of angulation on the lateral x-ray film. No shortening was noted. One fracture showed appreciable malrotation of 10 degrees. Flexible intramedullary rodding of specific proximal phalangeal fractures provides excellent results with a low complication rate. Proper selection of fractures and good surgical technique are necessary to avoid complications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Contraindications
  • Female
  • Finger Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Finger Injuries / physiopathology
  • Finger Injuries / surgery*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / methods*
  • Fracture Healing*
  • Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Bone / physiopathology
  • Fractures, Bone / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Retrospective Studies