Displaced unstable transverse fractures of the shaft of the proximal phalanx of the fingers in industrial workers: reduction and K-wire fixation leaving the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints free.

Abstract

A series of 35 adult male industrial workers with displaced unstable transverse fractures of the shaft of the proximal phalanx of the fingers were treated with reduction and K-wire fixation leaving the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints free to move immediately after surgery. At final follow-up, the total active motion score of the injured finger was graded as excellent, good, fair, or poor if it was greater than 240°, 220-240°, 180-219°, or less than 180°, respectively. Complications were also documented. The results were compared with our previously published series of these fractures treated with two other techniques: percutaneous K-wires immobilizing the metacarpophalangeal joint and open reduction and interosseous loop wire fixation. The final TAM scores in the current study were excellent in 43%, good in 29%, fair in 14% and poor in 14%. Four out of the 35 patients (11%) had minor pin tract infection. These results were significantly better than the results following percutaneous K-wire fixation immobilizing the metacarpophalangeal joint indicating that immediate mobilization of all joints has a significant effect on the outcome.