Pediatric Phalanx Fractures.

Phalangeal fractures are extremely common in the pediatric and adolescent populations. The incidence of phalangeal fractures peaks in children ages 10 to 14 years, corresponding to the age in which children begin contact sports. Younger children are more likely to experience crush injuries, whereas older children often sustain phalangeal fractures during sports. The physis is particularly susceptible to fracture because of the biomechanically weak nature of the physis compared with the surrounding ligaments and bone. Phalangeal fractures are identified through a thorough physical examination and are subsequently confirmed with radiographic evaluation. Management of pediatric phalangeal fractures is dependent on the age of the child, the severity of the injury, and the degree of fracture displacement. Nondisplaced fractures are often managed nonsurgically with immobilization, whereas unstable, displaced fractures may require surgery, which is often a closed rather than open reduction and percutaneous pinning.

Phalangeal Fractures and Fingertip Injuries.

A comprehensive analysis of the assessment, diagnosis, and management of phalangeal fractures and fingertip injuries should emphasize the importance of achieving the right balance between undertreatment and overtreatment. Phalangeal injuries are complex, requiring an in-depth understanding of hand anatomy, fracture patterns, and treatment options to optimize patient outcomes. A thorough examination of proximal and middle phalangeal fractures and fingertip injuries, including those to the nail bed and distal phalanx, is important. A systematic approach to addressing the most prevalent injuries in this category should be implemented while highlighting the need for patient-specific approaches to treatment and a multidisciplinary perspective to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

Current Outcomes and Treatments of Complex Phalangeal and Metacarpal Fractures.

Phalangeal and metacarpal fractures that require operative treatment have documented complications in around 50% of patients. The most common of these complications are stiffness and malunion. These can be highly challenging problems for the hand surgeon. In this article, we discuss complications after phalangeal and metacarpal fractures and treatment strategies for these complications.

Distribution and pattern of hand fractures in children and adolescents.

Hand fractures represent commonly encountered injuries in pediatric patients. However, due to modern means of mobility and product safety, the occurrence and distribution of these fractures have changed during the last decades. Therefore, it was the aim of this study to present an update of the epidemiology, pattern, and treatment of hand fractures in a large pediatric cohort. All patients aged between 0 and 17 years treated in our Department in 2019 with fractures of the phalanges, metacarpus, or carpus were included. The medical records were reviewed for age, gender, injury mechanism, fracture localization, season, and treatment. Patients were divided into three different age groups (0-5, 6-12, and 13-17 years). A total of 731 patients with 761 hand fractures were treated during the 1-year study period. The mean age was 11.1 ± 3.5 years, and the majority was male (65%). Male patients were significantly older compared to female patients (p = 0.008). Also, 78.7% of the fractures affected the phalanges, 17.6% the metacarpals, and 3.7% the carpal bones. The proximal phalanges were the most commonly fractured bones (41.5%). Patients with fractures of the carpus were significantly older compared to children sustaining fractures of the metacarpus or phalangeal bones (p < 0.001). Sixteen percent of our patients were treated surgically; these patients were significantly older compared to conservatively treated patients (p = 0.011).  Conclusion: The epidemiology, mechanisms of injury, distribution, and treatment of hand fractures significantly varies among different age groups. This knowledge is of importance for educational purposes of younger colleagues entrusted with care of children and adolescents as well as development of effective prevention strategies. What is Known: • Pediatric hand fractures represent the second most common fractures in children. • The epidemiology of pediatric hand fractures has changed during the last decades and therefore there is a need for an update regarding distribution and epidemiology of pediatric hand fractures. What is New: • In this retrospective cohort study, 761 pediatric hand fractures of 731 patients were analyzed in detail. • The main mechanisms of younger patients were entrapment injuries, older children most commonly sustained their fractures due to ball sport injuries. There was an increasing rate of metacarpal and carpal fractures with increasing age, and these fractures had to be treated operatively more often than phalangeal fractures.

Outcome of functional treatment with a Lucerne Cast in patients with hand fractures: a retrospective case series.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical outcome of patients treated with a functional Lucerne Cast (LuCa) for different types of hand fractures. Static casting has traditionally been the preferred treatment for hand fractures. However, functional casting may lead to good functional outcomes, less stiffness, and earlier return to work. METHODS: A retrospective case series of all consecutive patients with a metacarpal or proximal phalangeal fracture treated with a LuCa between 2018 and 2019 was conducted. A total of 90 patients were included. Clinical data were collected directly from the patient's medical records. Functional outcome was assessed with the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ). RESULTS: The median MHQ score was 95 (IQR 83-100) with a median follow-up of 23 months. Complications occurred in 7 of 90 patients (8%). Functional impairment occurred in two (2%) patients. Functional impairment was defined as stiffness, persisting rotational deformity, a boutonnière or swanneck deformity. Persisting pain or CRPS occurred in six (7%) patients. CONCLUSION: The LuCa shows to be effective in the functional treatment of both metacarpal and proximal phalangeal fractures with excellent patient-reported outcomes but at a relatively high rate of persisting pain.

Distribution of pediatric hand fractures: age- and bone maturation-dependent differences.

PURPOSE: To investigate the distribution and characteristics of fractures of bones of the hand on radiographs with respect to age and skeletal maturity of the fractured bone, and to identify predictors of surgery. METHODS: This cross-sectional, retrospective study included children (≤ 18 years) with hand fractures who underwent radiographic examinations (2019-2021). Fracture location, presence of displacement (≥ 2 mm), angulation (≥ 10°), articular extension, and if skeletally immature, then physeal involvement and Salter-Harris grade were recorded. Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Fisher's exact, and chi-square tests as well as logistic regression analyses were used. RESULTS: Study group of 508 (350 boys, 158 girls; median age, 11.9 years) included 575 (63% phalangeal, 37% metacarpal, and 0.3% carpal) fractures. Younger children were more likely to sustain phalangeal and older children carpal and metacarpal fractures (median ages: 10.8 vs 12.3 and 13.8 years, p < 0.001); and fractures of the small finger accounted for 50% of metacarpal and 43% of phalangeal fractures. Fracture displacement (12% vs 22%, p = 0.02) and angulation (25% vs 49%, p < 0.001) were more common with mature than immature bones. A third of immature bones had physeal involvement and the most common pattern was Salter-Harris type II (89%). Surgical intervention was uncommon (11%) and independent predictors were displacement (OR = 3.99, 95% CI 1.95-8.19, p < 0.001) and articular extension (OR = 5.11, 95% CI 2.00-13.07, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: While younger children were more likely to sustain phalangeal than metacarpal fractures and less likely to have displacement and angulation when compared to older children; only displacement and articular extension were significant independent predictors of surgery.

The Conservative Treatment of Some Hand and Carpal Fractures.

In recent decades, there has been a trend toward increased use of operative treatment of hand fractures. However, internal stabilization with wires or open reduction and internal fixation of the phalanges and the metacarpals carries a risk of surgical complications that can be avoided by using appropriate conservative treatment. In this article, some hand fractures that can be managed safely without surgery are discussed. In conclusion, when facing a fracture in the hand, the first consideration is whether the fracture can be treated nonoperatively and not which operative treatment is most appropriate. This applies to both displaced and undisplaced fractures.

Distal Phalangeal Replacement Using a Patient-Specific 3D-Printed Prosthesis: A Case Report.

CASE: A 38-year-old man developed a nonunion of a comminuted distal phalanx fracture, which resulted in gross instability of the fingertip. To restore stability, a patient-specific 3D-printed distal phalangeal prosthesis was implanted, and the patient was able to return to his occupation with excellent 2-year outcomes. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the application of 3D printing technology in the development of a patient-specific solution and discusses 6 important considerations for the design and planning process: Patient, Priorities, Point of fixation, Procedure, Problems, and People.

Extension Block Pinning Vs Single Kirshner Wiring To Treat Bony Mallet Finger. A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Bony Mallet Finger or Mallet Fracture is a common injury of the hand, which follows a forced flexion of the extended distal interphalangeal joint, that leads to a bony avulsion of the distal phalanx. Depending on fracture extension and dislocation, those lesions can either be treated conservatively or surgically. Several surgical options have been described in the literature. The aim of this study is to compare retrospectively two percutaneous pinning techniques: the extension block technique according to Ishiguro vs an original single Kirshner wiring (Umbrella technique). METHODS: Between January 1998 and December 2019, among all patients treated surgically for a Mallet Fracture with either the Ishiguro' and the Umbrella technique, 98 have been included in this study. All patients have been assessed one year after surgery using the Crawford method. RESULTS: With both techniques better results have been achieved in younger patients and for those treated early. The umbrella technique seems to have better results in patients with fracture classified as 2b or 2c (Wehbe and Schneider classification), whereas the Ishiguro technique seems more appropriate for patients with a 1b fracture. Complication rate and typology vary depending on the used technique. CONCLUSIONS: The Ishiguro' and the Umbrella technique both lead to good results for the treatment of surgical Mallet Fractures. The choice of the best type of pinning should mainly depend on fracture extension and time elapsed from trauma.

Salter-Harris Type III Fracture of the Distal Phalanx: A Rare Juxtaphyseal Variant.

Juxtaphyseal fractures of the distal phalanges of upper extremity digits are most commonly of the Salter-Harris II variety and occur most commonly in the thumb. The diagnosis of this injury is essential as it may present as an open fracture with a nailbed injury ("Seymour fracture"). However, an intra-articular, epiphyseal fracture may also occur and mimic a mallet deformity or Seymour fracture. Prompt diagnosis is essential to rule out an open fracture and obtain anatomical alignment and stability to attempt to reduce complications such as physeal arrest. Here, we present a patient with a displaced Salter-Harris type III fracture of his thumb distal phalanx and review his management and early-term outcome. We present this case to bring attention to this rare and unique injury, review the available literature, and discuss management and outcomes.

Pediatric Juxtaepiphyseal Phalangeal Fractures Are Distinct from Salter-Harris Type II Fractures and More Frequently Need Operative Fixation.

BACKGROUND: Salter-Harris type II fractures are the most common pediatric phalangeal fracture. A juxtaepiphyseal fracture is a distinct fracture pattern that, although similar in radiographic appearance, occurs 1 to 2 mm distal to the growth plate. Although subtle, there are important differences in the behavior and management of these fracture types. The purpose of this study was to compare these two fracture patterns in terms of clinical features and treatment. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved retrospective chart review was conducted of patients presenting to our tertiary care pediatric hospital. One hundred fifty-eight patients with either Salter-Harris type II or juxtaepiphyseal phalangeal fractures were identified. Primary outcomes analyzed included angulation at initial presentation, stability of reduction if attempted in the emergency department, and need for operative fixation with and without Kirschner wire fixation, with final angulation measurements. RESULTS: Salter-Harris type II fractures were more common than juxtaepiphyseal fractures (83 percent versus 17 percent, respectively). There was no significant difference between the two fracture types in the patient's age, sex, or mechanism of injury. Juxtaepiphyseal fractures were radiographically more angulated on presentation than Salter-Harris type II fractures (p = 0.02). Juxtaepiphyseal fractures required significantly more operative fixation by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning compared to Salter-Harris type II fractures (42.9 percent versus 10.8 percent, respectively; p = 0.002). There was no difference in final outcomes obtained between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Juxtaepiphyseal phalangeal fractures are a distinct entity from Salter-Harris type II fractures. Presenting with significantly more radiographic angulation and clinical instability, juxtaepiphyseal fractures more frequently required operative fixation. Recognizing the differences between these pediatric fracture types is important to help guide clinical management for successful healing. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.

Alternative Noninvasive Treatment of Unstable Extra-articular Proximal and Middle Phalangeal Fractures: A Static Linear Traction Orthosis Design.

Extra-articular unstable proximal and middle phalanx fractures are typically managed with surgical means with common complications of tendon tethering, stiffness, and secondary hand dysfunction. As a result, alternative conservative measures are being explored. The use of static linear traction through the application of an orthosis allows for fracture reduction and anatomic healing, with successful range of motion outcomes.

Frequency, Pattern, and Treatment of Hand Fractures in Children and Adolescents: A 27-Year Review of 4356 Pediatric Hand Fractures.

Background: The frequency, pattern, and treatment of pediatric hand fractures are rarely reported. We sought to review our institution's experience in the management of pediatric hand fractures. Methods: A retrospective review of children and adolescents (younger than 18 years) treated for hand fractures between January 1990 and June 2017 was preformed. Fractures were categorized into metacarpal, proximal/middle phalanx, distal phalanx, or intra-articular metacarpophalangeal (MCP)/proximal interphalangeal (PIP)/distal interphalangeal (DIP) fractures. Patients were categorized into 3 age groups (0-5, 6-11, and 12-17 years). Results: A total of 4356 patients were treated for hand fractures at a mean ± SD age of 12.2 ± 3.5 years. Most fractures occurred in patients aged 12 to 17 years (n = 2775, 64%), followed by patients aged 6 to 11 years (n = 1347, 31%). Only 234 (5%) fractures occurred in children younger than 5 years. Most fractures occurred in the proximal/middle phalanx (48%), followed by metacarpal (33%), distal phalangeal (12%), and intra-articular MCP/PIP/DIP joints (7%). Proximal/middle phalangeal fractures were the most common in all age groups. About 58% of intra-articular MCP/PIP/DIP fractures in patients aged between 0 and 5 years required open reduction ± fixation, and the remaining 42% fractures were amenable to closed reduction. In patients older than 5 years, about 70% of these fractures were amenable to closed reduction. All age groups included, most metacarpal (93%), proximal/middle phalangeal (92%), and distal phalangeal (86%) fractures were amenable to closed reduction alone. Conclusions: The frequency, pattern, and treatment of hand fractures vary among different age groups. Understanding the pattern of these fractures helps making the right diagnosis and guides choosing the appropriate treatment.

Headless Compression Screw Fixation for Proximal Phalanx Fractures: A Biomechanical Study.

Background: Proximal phalanx fractures are common injuries of the hand with multiple treatment options. Intramedullary (IM) screw fixation has become more widely used, and early outcomes are promising. However, biomechanical data regarding this type of fixation are sparse. Methods: Two methods of IM screw fixation of proximal phalanx fractures were tested in cadaver specimens. All specimens were treated with a single antegrade headless compression screw, with half getting the addition of a blocking screw. To test the most common deforming force of flexion-extension, each phalanx was subjected to apex volar 3-point bending using the Materials Testing System test frame. Results: There was no significant difference in the stiffness of 3-point bending with single antegrade screws alone and with a blocking screw (mean, 63.1 vs 52.2 N/mm; P = .27). When comparing smaller with larger specimens, stiffness of the small group was significantly greater than that of the large group when both fixation methods were included (85.3 vs 30.1 N/mm; P < .0002). When comparing stiffness with percent fill of the screw within bone, there was a moderately positive correlation (0.51). Conclusions: Addition of a blocking screw did not increase the stability of the IM screw fixation construct for proximal phalanx fractures. When comparing specimen size, the smaller bones were stiffer under 3-point bending load, regardless of the type of fixation. In addition, those specimens that had a larger longitudinal screw length to bone length ratio were stiffer. These findings provide valuable information as techniques for IM screw fixation of proximal phalanx fractures continue to evolve.

Analysis of 1430 hand fractures and identifying the 'Red Flags' for cases requiring surgery.

BACKGROUND: Hand fractures constitute 20% of hand injury patients who apply to emergency services. Conservative approaches are satisfactory in the majority of the cases. However, the minority group in need of surgery reaches a serious number of patients considering the frequency of these injuries. Retrospective questioning of the indications of the performed surgeries is a proper way of understanding the decisional process for surgery. PATIENTS/METHODS: Patients treated for hand fractures were retrospectively reviewed. Patient gender, age, finger/fingers involved, soft tissue involvement, treatment method (conservative/surgery) and if operated, devices used for fixation were noted. Plain radiographs of the patient were evaluated. Descriptive statistics of these variables and the effect of each variable on the decision for surgery were analyzed. RESULTS: The study involved 1430 fractures of 1303 patients (1016 male and 287 female). Fifth finger was the most commonly injured digit (31%). Comminuted fractures (29%) followed by transverse fractures (29%) and spiral/oblique fractures (22%) were commonly diagnosed fracture types. Thirteen percent (13%) of the study group needed tendon/nerve/vessel repairs. Male patients, cases with soft tissue involvement, second, third and fourth finger fractures, fractures involving multiple digits, fractures with an intra-articular component, fractures with dislocation more than 4 mm and angulation more than 15° had a significantly higher rate of surgery. CONCLUSION: Less than half of the hand fractures require surgery, and conservative treatment is usually preferred. Certain variables that indicate surgical treatment were identified with our study. These findings may help to weigh the options and choose the right path in doubtful conditions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4, Case-control study.

Concurrent Ring Finger Middle Phalanx Fracture and Jersey Finger in a Rugby Player.

Avulsions of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon and phalanx fractures are both common injuries for rugby players, but these concurrent injuries in the same finger have not been previously described. This case describes a 20-year-old female rugby player who sustained a right ring finger comminuted, mildly displaced middle phalanx fracture. The patient was evaluated by a hand surgeon 3 weeks after the injury, and non-operative management with a splint was elected. One week later, upon further examination, the patient demonstrated persistent inability to flex the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) of the ring finger. Ultrasound was inconclusive but an MRI demonstrated avulsion of the FDP tendon from the distal phalanx, consistent with a jersey finger injury. The patient subsequently underwent open repair of the FDP tendon. This case illustrates the importance of careful physical exam and index of suspicion for coexisting injuries.

Treatment of an Extruded Middle Phalanx Epiphysis in a 6-Year-Old Boy: A Case Report.

CASE: A Salter-Harris II fracture of the small finger middle phalanx with complete extrusion of the epiphyseal fragment in a 6-year-old boy is described. Closed reduction was unsuccessful. Open reduction was performed, the epiphysis was reduced, and a single Kirschner wire was placed obliquely across the fracture and joint. CONCLUSION: This is an extremely rare injury. Open reduction and pinning was successful in preserving functional range of motion. Despite eventual growth arrest, there was no clinically significant angular deformity, and the joint was preserved. Surgical technique and early hand therapy allowed the patient to return to high-level activity without pain or functional limitation thus far at the 27-month follow-up.

Pharmacopuncture and joint movement manual therapy for post-traumatic phalangeal osteoarthritis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a type of osteoarthritis that develops after ligament injury, meniscus injury, or fracture. Currently, there is no specific treatment approved for PTOA. This report describes the case of a 38-year-old man who suffered from PTOA of the right second distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint after practicing judo. PATIENT CONCERNS: He visited the author's clinic at 3 months after the onset of symptoms. Symptoms included pain, limited motion, and joint enlargement of the right second DIP joint. DIAGNOSIS: Partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament of the DIP was revealed by magnetic resonance imaging. As the symptoms appeared after the traumatic event, PTOA was diagnosed. INTERVENTIONS: Intra-articular hominis placenta pharmacopuncture and joint movement manual therapy were performed on each visit. Altogether, 10 sessions were performed until the symptoms improved remarkably. OUTCOMES: Visual analogue scale score (VAS) for pain; Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score (QuickDASH); joint circumference; and range of motion showed improvements at the end of the treatment. VAS decreased from 8.4 to 0.4, QuickDASH decreased from 44 to 13, joint circumference decreased from 5.5 to 5.4 cm, and range of motion was almost recovered, which was measured by the photographs. LESSONS: There are not enough studies on phalangeal joint PTOA and its treatment. This case suggests pharmacopuncture and joint movement manual therapy as treatment options for phalangeal PTOA.

A Pragmatic and Evidence-Based Approach to Mallet Finger.

A mallet finger is a common injury that results from a sudden flexion force on an extended distal phalanx or rarely, from hyperextension of the distal interphalangeal joint. Mallet finger can be purely tendinous or bony when associated with an avulsion fracture. The management of this injury is largely conservative with the use of a splint, although surgery may be indicated for select patients. There is little consensus on the indications for surgery or the suitable surgical technique. The aim of this review article is to provide a pragmatic and evidence-based approach to mallet finger that will guide the treating surgeon in providing best care for their patient.

Comparative analysis of the effects of AO mini-plate and Kirschner wire pinning in the metacarpal fractures: A retrospective study.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effect of AO miniplate screw internal fixation and Kirschner wire (KW) in the treatment of metacarpal fractures.We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 590 metacarpal fracture patients admitted to our hospital from March 2016 to March 2019. Among them, 290 patients were treated with KWs; 300 were treated with AO microplate internal fixation. The clinical, radiological results, time of surgery, and complications were observed and compared between the 2 groups.The imaging characteristics and preoperative fracture types of the 2 groups were similar and comparable (P > .05). The operation time, length of hospital stay, and fracture healing time of AO group were shorter than those of KW group, and the differences were statistically significant (41.22 ±â€Š7.23 vs 25.64 ±â€Š6.29; 7.13 ±â€Š2.38 vs 5.26 ±â€Š1.71; 67.43 ±â€Š22.01 vs 52.57 ±â€Š17.46, P < .05). In addition, the incidence of postoperative complications in AO group was lower than that in KW group (8.3% vs 15.2%, P < .05). In terms of surgical knuckle extension, flexion, and total mobility (compared with the uninjured hand), patients in the AO plate group were significantly improved compared with patients in the KW group, and the difference was statistically significant (4 vs 10 degree; 19 vs 10 degree; 14 vs 29 degree, P < .05); The average degree of finger rotation deformity in AO plate group was significantly lower than that in KW group (1 vs 6 degree, P < .05). In terms of grip strength (compared with the healthy hand), the average grip strength of AO plate group was significantly higher than that of KW group (93% vs 83%, P < .05). Patients in the OA plate group had a lower Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (P < .05).Compared with KW fixation, AO mini-plate and screw fixation for the metacarpal fracture has a better effect, which can effectively shorten the operation time and reduce the trauma to patients. It can provide patients with better stability and realize the early movement of the palm, promote fracture healing and joint function recovery; it can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications, which has certain safety. In addition, it can effectively reduce the risk of poor finger rotation.