Distal Phalangeal Fractures

- See:
- Phalangeal Menu:
- Nail Bed Injuries:
- Finger Tip Injuries:
- Mallet Frx

- Discussion:
- fractures of the distal phalanx usually result from crushing injuries that produce significant soft tissue injury;
- in such injuries the primary concern is soft tissue repair;
- when the fractures are comminuted, the fragments are molded into position and splinted;
- these fractures frequently fail to unite;
- chip frxs involving the base of the distal phalanxx must be evaluated for avulsion of insertion of the extensor or flexor tendons;
- there is direct relationship between period of immobilization & final result;
- poor results are obtained in finger frxs immobilizied for more than 3 weeks;
- if finger frx area immobilized for 4 weeks, 60% of pts have significant joint stiffness and loss of hand function

Fractures of the distal phalanges.

Operative treatment of intra-articular fractures of the dorsal aspect of the distal phalanx of digits.

Dorsal fracture subluxation of the distal interphalangeal joint of the finger and the interphalangeal joint of the thumb treated by extension block splintage.

Distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis: an analysis of complications.