Non-Union in a Fracture of the Shaft of the Distal Phalanx

Abstract

Fracture of the shaft of the distal phalanx is less common than more distal fractures involving the tuft: non-union in such a fracture is even more unusual. A case is described in which troublesome non-union of the shaft of the distal phalanx of the middle finger was successfully treated by open reduction and Kirschner wire fixation. The type of fracture and its treatment is discussed: it is emphasised that the principles applied to shaft fractures of the middle and proximal phalanges also apply to the distal phalanx.