Fractures of the phalanges of the hand in children

Abstract

Fractures of the phalanges of the hand were studied in 203 children. Fingertip fractures caused disability for three weeks but usually had good results. Comminuted fractures often took the form of longitudinal splitting. Epiphyseal fractures were mostly of the Salter type 2 and metaphyseal types and usually had good results: remodelling occurred in both planes at the base of the proximal phalanx but only in the sagittal plane at the base of the middle phalanx. Epiphyseal fractures at the base of the distal phalanx often had unsatisfactory results. Fractures of the neck of phalanx showed no remodelling at all and if deformity is not corrected it is probably permanent.