Treatment of Intra-Articular Distal Phalanx Fractures in Baseball Players by Joint Distraction and Early Mobilization Using a New Dynamic External Finger Fixator.

In baseball players, a high degree of functional recovery is required for the treatment of fractures in the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, especially on the throwing side. While dynamic external fixation is a useful treatment option to restore the joint function, existing external fixators are too large for use on DIP joints. Three cases of DIP joint intra-articular comminuted fractures in baseball players treated using the new dynamic external finger fixator which we developed are reported. The external fixator was kept attached for four weeks. The patients returned to play baseball 7-8 weeks after surgery. The total arc of the DIP joint was 90-100% of the contralateral side. Follow-up radiographs demonstrated that joint congruity had been reacquired. This technique was adaptive in the treatment of comminuted intra-articular fractures of the DIP joint and resulted in a near-normal range of joint motion and remodeling of the joint surface.