Articular fractures of the digits: a prospective study

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Shibata T. O'Flanagan SJ. Ip FK. Chow SP. Journal of Hand Surgery. 18(2):225-9, 1993 Apr. We report a prospective study of 92 articular fractures of the digits. The treatment protocol was based on functional stability and acceptable alignment rather than on joint congruity. 54% of patients had good results, with 22% fair and 24% poor results being recorded. These results are similar to reports of treatment of finger fractures in general and suggest that for articular fractures of the digits, stability and alignment are more important factors than joint congruity in determining short-term outcome. Compound fractures and those associated with comminution, significant soft tissue damage and marked displacement at presentation have a worse prognosis.