Unstable Dorsal Fracture-Dislocations of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint: Volar Plate Fixation with or without Bone Graft.

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the treatment of severe dorsal fracture dislocation (DFD) injuries of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) by open reduction, bone grafting and fixation with mini-hook plates.

METHODS

Fourteen patients with extensive dorsal fracture dislocation of the PIPJ were operatively treated to reconstruct the fractured middle phalanx volar lip using a fabricated hook plate in conjunction with elevation and bone grafting of depressed articular fragments where present.

RESULTS

Restoration of PIPJ articular anatomy and congruence by hook plate fixation permitted full-range mobilization of the joint during fracture healing, with an average arc of motion of 81° and an average loss of extension of 12.9° at a minimum of 6 months follow up. Hook plate treatment of PIPJ fracture dislocation restores articular anatomy and joint congruence at a single sitting and permits post-operative mobilization without the need for extension block splinting.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate a good range of motion following treatment, however hardware removal and tenolysis was necessary in 36% of cases.