Complete disruption of collateral mechanism of proximal interphalangeal joint of fingers.

The results are reported of a trial on the management of collateral mechanism disruption of the proximal interphalangeal joints of fingers. The incidence of the injury in Edinburgh, over a seven month period, averaged one case per week. Most (80%) had proximal avulsion of the main ligament. In the operated group all reached the state of painless stability at about two months. In the unoperated group none reached this stage, even at the final follow up, 64% complained of functional disability. It is concluded that operation is the treatment of choice for this injury.