A Novel Technique for Dynamic External Fixation of Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Fracture-Dislocations

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (04) ◽  
pp. 427-433
Author(s):  
Nattawut Sastravaha ◽  
Kanon Limudomporn ◽  
Worasun Taweewuthisub

Background: The pins and rubbers traction system is widely used to treat unstable proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint fracture-dislocations. However, dealing with rubber bands can be difficult due to its elasticity and weakness. The purpose of this study was to report the results of an alternative dynamic external fixator technique for unstable PIP joint injuries. Methods: Thirteen patients with acute unstable PIP joint fracture-dislocation (n = 8), pilon fracture (n = 2), or comminuted shaft fractures of a middle phalanx with or without PIP joint extension (n = 3) were enrolled. The alternative fixator used a plastic syringe to maintain distraction force instead of the commonly used rubber bands. Four patients underwent combined open reduction due to unsatisfactory reduction by closed mean. The fixator was removed when there was radiographic evidence of healing. Results: At 6 months after the operation, the mean active ROM of the injured PIP joint was 89° (range, 70–104°), and the mean Quick-DASH score was 9.78 (range, 0–40.9). The mean NRS of pain before fixator removal was 1 (range, 0–4). One patient had a pin tract infection and underwent debridement and fixator removal at 33 days postoperatively. There was no loss of reduction or implant failure in the study. Conclusions: The results were comparable to other dynamic external fixation techniques used for unstable PIP joint fracture-dislocations. The main advantages of this technique were strength of the system, procedure simplicity, the compact design, and relatively low cost. In addition, this technique can also be used in pilon fractures and comminuted shaft fractures of a middle phalanx with or without PIP joint extension.

Hand Surgery ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (01) ◽  
pp. 107-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kentaro Watanabe ◽  
Yoshitake Kino ◽  
Hiroki Yajima

To clarify the factors affecting functional results of fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), 60 patients, including 38 patients with a dorsal fracture-dislocation and 22 with a pilon fracture, were analysed. The mean ratio of articular surface involvement was 48.5% and a depressed central fragment existed in 75.3% of the cases. ORIF was performed in 47 patients through a lateral approach using Kirschner wires and in 13 through a palmar approach using a plate or screws. The mean flexion, extension and range of motion (ROM) of the PIP joint was 89.5°, 11.5° and 78.0°, respectively. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that a delayed start of active motion exercise after surgery, elderly age and ulnar ray digit were factors affecting functional outcomes. Although ORIF allows accurate restoration of the articular surfaces, an early start of motion exercise is essential for good results.


Hand ◽  
2022 ◽  
pp. 155894472110663
Author(s):  
Christopher A. Worgul ◽  
Andrew B. Stein

Background: Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint fracture-dislocations can be technically challenging injuries to treat, and no technique has proven to be superior nor lead to predictably good outcomes. We describe our experience of treating unstable dorsal fracture-dislocations of the PIP joint with extension-block pinning (EBP) at our institution over a 22-year period. Methods: In all, 23 patients with 24 unstable dorsal fracture-dislocations of the PIP joint treated with EBP between January 1998 and October 2020 were identified. All patients underwent closed reduction of the PIP joint and insertion of a Kirschner wire into the proximal phalanx, creating a mechanical block. Range of motion and joint congruity were assessed at final clinic follow-up. Long-term function was assessed via completion of a Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was utilized to assess if any association existed between treatment delay, pin-in-body days, or amount of articular surface involved and QuickDASH score. Results: Mean range of motion at final follow-up was 83.3° and 22 of 24 PIP joints demonstrated a congruent reduction. In all, 15 of the 23 patients completed the QuickDASH questionnaire at a median long-term follow-up of 57.5 months (range: 3-157 months). Average QuickDASH score was 18.8, indicating minimal long-term disability. No statistically significant associations were found between treatment delay, pin-in-body days, or amount of articular surface involved and QuickDASH score. Conclusions: EBP offers a simple and innovative method to treat a complex injury of the PIP joint. It is technically straightforward and cheap, and produces excellent functional outcomes with minimal long-term disability.


2021 ◽  
pp. 175319342110292
Author(s):  
Danielle Nizzero ◽  
Nicholas Tang ◽  
James Leong

Many different surgical techniques have been used to treat unstable dorsal proximal interphalangeal joint fracture-dislocations. The authors have used the base of the middle phalanx of the second toe base as an alternative autograft to treat this type of injury. This retrospective study assessed the clinical outcomes of this procedure in 11 patients. Range of motion, grip strength, Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score and donor site morbidity were assessed at regular intervals postoperatively. Nine patients had acute injuries and two had chronic injuries. The mean range of motion in the proximal interphalangeal joint at final review was 65° for patients with acute injuries and 41° for patients with chronic injuries. Other outcomes were satisfactory and there were no complications. Level of evidence: IV


2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. S. Frueh ◽  
M. Calcagni ◽  
N. Lindenblatt

Palmar lip injuries of the proximal interphalangeal joint with dorsal fracture-dislocation are difficult to treat and often require major reconstruction. A systematic review was performed and yielded 177 articles. Thirteen articles on hemi-hamate autograft were included in full-text analysis. Results of 71 cases were summarized. Mean follow-up was 36 months and mean proximal interphalangeal joint range of motion was 77°. Overall complication rate was around 35%. Up to 50% of the patients showed radiographic signs of osteoarthritis. However, few of those patients complained about pain or impaired finger motion. Based on this systematic analysis and review, hemi-hamate autograft can be considered reliable for the reconstruction of acute and chronic proximal interphalangeal joint fracture-dislocations with joint involvement >50%, but longer-term follow-up studies are required to evaluate its outcome, especially regarding the rate of osteoarthritis. Level of Evidence: II


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 1628-1635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hua-Zhu Wang ◽  
Jian-Yong Zhao ◽  
Zhi-Sheng Zhang

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of a novel dynamic distraction external fixator for proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) fracture-dislocation. Methods From March 2005 to March 2014, 20 patients with PIPJ fracture-dislocation were treated with our technique. Function scores according to the Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire (MHQ) score, union time, grip strength, and range of motion (ROM) were recorded before and after treatment. Results All patients completed a mean follow-up of 22 months (range, 12–60 months). All patients achieved fracture union and joint reduction. The mean union time was 3 months (range, 2–6 months). The mean postoperative MHQ score was 88.00 ± 3.42 (range, 84.00–92.00). Postoperative grip strength of the affected sides was 92% of the contralateral sides. X-rays showed that the fracture line disappeared completely with a good joint contour. The range of extension in the PIPJ was −5° (range, −10°–0°). The range of flexion in the PIPJ was 89.40° ± 9.79° (range, 75°–100°). Postoperatively, four patients had slight narrowing of the joint space and two had an uneven articular surface. Pin breakage, loosening, and tract infection were not observed. Conclusions The novel dynamic distraction external fixator is a promising option for PIPJ fracture-dislocation.


2005 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 154-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Badia ◽  
Felix Riano ◽  
Jessica Ravikoff ◽  
Roger Khouri ◽  
Eduardo Gonzalez-Hernandez ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikhil Jawaharlal ◽  
Vasanthakumar Ramsingh ◽  
Vijaya Bhalaik

Introduction: Carpo-metacarpal joint fracture-dislocations are rare injuries. They constitute less than 1% of all hand injuries [1]. They often go unnoticed [2]. Of these, dorsal fracture-dislocations on the ulnar side are more commonly seen [3] because of the greater stabilizing dorsal structures. Volar fracture-dislocations are very rare and difficult to diagnose for which, one should have a keen eye on. Case Report: This is a case of a 51-year-old female with a closed injury to her wrist. With clinical suspicion and appropriate radiographs fracture-dislocation of the 4th and 5th carpometacarpal joints with volar displacement was diagnosed. She underwent closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation, followed by 6 weeks of immobilization. At the final follow-up in 4 months, the patient was noted to have a satisfactory outcome following intense physiotherapy. Conclusion: Fourth and fifth carpometacarpal joint fracture-dislocations of the fingers are unique; their diagnosis can be challenging and often overlooked [4], which if missed can have very poor outcomes. The functional prognosis depends on the precocity of diagnosis and appropriate reduction and vigorous rehabilitation. Keywords: Carpometacarpal joint, fracture-dislocation, volar displacement, wrist injury.


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