[Results after osteosynthesis of extraarticular proximal phalangeal fractures]

Abstract

The aim of the study was to retrospectively present and analyse the functional results of surgically treated extraarticular fractures of the proximal phalanx.From 1/2005-4/2008 we operated on 49 patients with 52 closed, extraarticular fractures of the proximal phalanx of the long fingers with either pins, screws or plates. 30 patients were male, 19 were female, the mean age was 35 years. Open fractures, fractures of the thumb and those with injuries to neurovascular structures or tendons were excluded. Postoperative physiotherapy was started on day 1 after surgery. Postoperative finger function and complications were analysed based on the total active motion (TAM) regarding the Belsky score and the classification of Page and Stern. In addition, patients were contacted by phone in 4/2009 to verify the subjective functional results at the end of the observation period.Three different operative procedures were employed: internal fixation by Kirschner wires (n=25), and open fixation by screws (n=8) or plates (n=19). The entire treatment period amounted to 12 (4-28) weeks, the observation time was 33 (11-50) months. Two patients, both after plate osteosynthesis, had to be reoperated because of functional deficits due to adhesions. In both a tenolysis and removal of the plate was performed. The functional result was excellent in 20 of 25 patients treated by Kirschner wires, in seven of the eight in the screw-fixation group and in 13 of the 19 patients treated by plate ostheosynthesis (TAM > 240°); the result was judged fair in 1 after plate osteosynthesis (TAM 215°). The remaining 11 patients showed a good outcome with a TAM between 220° and 239°. These favourable results remained subjectively stable at the end of the observation period, when all patients could be contacted by phone.Osteosynthesis by kirschner wires, screws and plates for closed extraarticular fractures of the proximal phalanx of the long fingers gives good to excellent results with few complications.