[Injury of the palmar fibrocartilage of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the long finger. Treatment and results within the scope of follow-up].

In 155 out of 389 patients with lesions of the fibrocartilage on the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the fingers, who were treated between January 1989 and 31 December 1989, a radiological and clinical follow-up was done after a mean interval of 1.5 years. In 82% a palmar lip fracture was diagnosed; the remaining 18% were attributed to a ligamentous lesion of the palmar fibrocartilate because of the clinical findings and negative X-ray results. Very good or good therapeutic results were achieved in 95%. Immobilization of the extended PIP joint for 2-3 weeks by a fingercast or plaster splint turned out to be the treatment of choice; surgical intervention was not indicated in any of these cases.