A novel mini external fixation technique versus percutaneous pinning in treatment of phalanx fracture in hand

Articles in Press

Document Type : RESEARCH PAPER

Authors

1 Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Imam Reza Hospital, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Rheumatology, Imam Reza Hospital, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

10.22038/abjs.2024.74859.3484

Abstract

Objectives: Hand fracture is one of the most common fractures in the skeletal system. The purpose of this study was to introduce a newly-designed external fixator and investigate the results of treatment of patients with unstable and complex fractures of the proximal and middle phalanges of the fingers with two treatment methods: “fixation with percutaneous pins (PCP) + splint” and “fixation with mini external fixator”

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, patients with acute unstable and complex fractures of the proximal and middle phalanges of the second to fifth fingers were treated with two treatment methods including “fixation with PCP + splint” and “the use of mini external fixator”. At the final follow-up visit, union, pain, function, finger range of motion and possible complications were considered.

Results: among 52 patients included in the study 33 patients were treated with mini external fixator and 19 patients underwent fixation with PCP and splint. All patients in both groups had union and none of them complained of pain at final visit. Functional outcomes were good and there was no statistically significant difference between two groups. In the mini external fixator group, there was a significant greater finger range of motion (P = 0.012), with lower number of physiotherapy sessions (P = 0.018). Also patients returned to work more promptly (P = 0.012).

Conclusion: Treatment of unstable finger fractures with mini external fixator had three advantages: Possibility of early initiation of finger movement and improving finger range of motion, the need for fewer physical therapy sessions and early return to work. It can be an effective treatment option in the treatment of unstable and complex finger fractures.

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Main Subjects

The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 21 May 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 28 October 2023
  • Revise Date: 06 October 2024
  • Accept Date: 07 October 2024

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