K-wire fixation for extraarticular transverse/short oblique fractures of the shaft of the middle phalanx associated with extensor tendon injury

J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2008 Oct;33(5):561-5. doi: 10.1177/1753193408090147. Epub 2008 Jun 25.

Abstract

In a prospective study, 22 cases of extraarticular transverse/short oblique fractures of the shaft of the middle phalanx associated with extensor tendon injury had fixation of the fracture as well as immobilisation of the distal interphalangeal joint using a K-wire. Mobilisation of the proximal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints was started immediately after surgery. The wires were removed after 6 weeks. No post-operative complications were noted. At final follow-up (mean = 15 weeks, range = 12-24 weeks), 18 of 22 patients obtained excellent and good total active motion (TAM) scores. Stiffness was confined to the distal interphalangeal joint, and hence when the results were re-analysed for motion at that joint only, only 11 patients had excellent and good outcomes.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Wires*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Finger Phalanges / injuries*
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal*
  • Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Bone / pathology*
  • Fractures, Bone / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Recovery of Function
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tendon Injuries / diagnosis
  • Tendon Injuries / etiology
  • Tendon Injuries / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult