[Functional treatment of palmar edge fractures of the middle phalanx and palmar capsule ruptures of the interphalangeal joint].

Rupture of the palmar plate of the PIP joint is frequently followed by flexion contracture. The results of operative or immobilizing treatment are disappointing and therefore 46 patients have been treated by a Capener splint. 35 of these joints could be reviewed for the functional result. Only in five cases was extension reduced by five to ten degrees, the remaining being normal in this respect. By contrast flexion was limited in 27 patients, in 19 of them by between five to ten degrees, in the remaining eight by not more than 35 degrees.