Suzuki's pins and rubber traction for fractures of the base of the middle phalanx

Abstract

Basal fractures of the middle phalanx are uncommon, but difficult to treat. We have reviewed our first 20 patients using the Suzuki pins and rubber traction who were treated during an 8.5 year period (June 1998-December 2006) and 18 who were reviewed after 49 (range 17-116) months. All injuries were closed fractures of the base of the middle phalanx. Ten patients had a fracture of the volar lip and dorsal subluxation of the phalanx, one had a fracture of the dorsal lip, and seven had comminuted pilon fractures. Median operating time was 33 (18-255) minutes. Thick "vessel loops" were often used for traction, and active movement before the traction was removed after 38 (8-46) days was disappointing. There were two superficial infections and one deep. One proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint had been treated by arthrodesis and another amputated before review. On a visual analogue scale (VAS) from 0 (best) to 10 (worst), patients at review reported discomfort when wearing the traction as 5.5 (0-10), pain as 0 (0-6), and finger function as 3 (0-6). The median Quick-DASH score (100 = worst) was 2 (0-48) and grip strength 97 (75-118) % of the other hand. Median extension, flexion, and total range of movement of the PIP joint in 16 fingers were -9°, 83°, and 72°, respectively. Our results are no more than adequate. They might have been better if the force of traction had been less by using rubber bands instead of vessel loops, if postoperative follow-up had been more frequent allowing for correction of traction when necessary, and if traction had been discontinued earlier.