Fractures of the shafts of the phalanges of the hand.

Fractures of the shafts of the phalanges are common and often disabling. Little detailed information is available as to the results of treatment, against which new methods of treatment may be compared. Thirty-nine comminuted fractures and 109 which were not comminuted were followed-up and their results are presented in detail. In both groups only about 57% obtained satisfactory results. Possible methods of improving these are discussed and the importance of accurate reduction of non comminuted fractures is emphasised.