PURPOSE This paper suggests the use of distraction dynamic external fixators (DDEF) for the treatment of proximal middle phalanx fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seven patients, who were diagnosed with comminuted intra-articular fractures at the base of the middle phalanx from February 2014 to November 2016, were enrolled in this study (volar aspect 6 cases, dorsal aspect 1 case). They underwent a closed reduction under a C-arm image intensifier, and DDEF was applied with general anesthesia. Range of motion (ROM) exercise was encouraged after 3 to 5 days postoperatively, and DDEF was removed after 5 weeks. Subluxation, angulation and displacement were evaluated 6 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS The patients who were treated with DDEF showed a normal proximal interphalangeal joint ROM (100°), and there was no subluxation or displacement on the X-ray film 6 weeks postoperatively. In addition, there were no signs of infection, such as local heat, redness, and pus-like discharge. CONCLUSION DDEF helps maintain the reduction and reducing forces through the ligamentotaxis. The joint stiffness is reduced, which it makes early return to daily life easier.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
Treatment of Neglected Proximal Interphalangeal Fracture Dislocation Using a Traction Device: A Case Report Yongun Cho, Jai Hyung Park, Se-Jin Park, Ingyu Lee, Eugene Kim Journal of the Korean Fracture Society.2019; 32(4): 222. CrossRef
PURPOSE To evaluate the necessity of deltoid ligament repair in lateral malleolar fracture associated with medial clear space widening. MATERIALS AND METHODS The 82 cases of 82 patients received surgical treatment for lateral malleolar fracture with medial clear space widening in our hospital from Jan. 1996 to Feb. 2002. 73 male and 9 female patients were included respectively. Average follow-up period was 13.2 month (12~50). The methods of internal fixation of lateral malleolar fracture were 66 cases by cortical screw, 16 by plate and screws, and 9 by transfixing screw. RESULTS Satisfactory reduction was obtained in 65 of 73 cases by only internal fixation of lateral malleolar fracture. Transfixing screw was needed in 8 cases. There was no need for repair of deltoid ligament. In clinical evaluation, no cases of limitation of movement in ankle was seen at final follow-up time. In radiologic evaluation, average medial clear space widening before operation was 5.89 mm (4.5~13 mm) and that of last follow-up time was 2.54 mm (1.5~3.5 mm). 95.2% was above good result. CONCLUSION In treatment of unstable lateral malleolar fracture associated with medial clear space widening due to rupture of deltoid ligament, we obtained satisfactory result by accurate anatomical reduction or internal fixation. In these cases, there were no need for repair of deltoid ligament.
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to compare the Phemister technique with the modified Phemister technique for the patients with Rockwood type 3, acromio-clavicular separation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The 45 cases of 45 patients received surgical treatment for Rockwood type 3, acute acromio-clavicular separation in our hospital from Feb. 1992 to Aug. 2001 later with the follow-up study were selected as subjects. The average ages were 28.1 years old, male and female were 42, 3 persons, respectively. Physical examination and plain radiography were used for their diagnosis and the intervals between injury and surgical treatment were 7.8 days. In intraoperative finding, we performed Phemister technique in 15 cases according not to be able to repair coraco-clavicular ligament (group I), modified Phemister technique in 30 cases according to be able to repair that (group II). The average follow up period was 16.2 months, and the UCLA shoulder scoring system and the acromio-clavicular separation scoring system were used to obtain clinical results. RESULTS Only in Group II, the complication after surgery were associated with superficial infection in two cases and K-wire migration in one case. At last follow up, there were no pain and limitation of range of motion in all cases, and two cases in Group II were found to be subluxation in radiography. Clinical results revealed excellent was 93.3%, good was 6.7% in UCLA shoulder scoring system in both groups, and excellent was 90%, good was 10% for group II in acromio-clavicular separation scoring system. CONCLUSION The results are considered to be good with only Phemister technique in type 3, acute injury occurred in working ages.