[Percutaneous management of intra-articular fractures of the interphalangeal joints of the fingers].

Abstract

Open reduction of intra-articular fractures of the proximal interphalangeal joints of the fingers requires extensive exposure of the bone. This often leads to disturbance of the delicate mechanics of the joint. The results are, therefore, sometimes not as good as expected. The authors describe a new method of treatment, using the image intensifier with magnification. The fragments are reduced by means of a golf-club shaped instrument, which is inserted into the medullary cavity through a small skin incision and a drill hole in the bone. After reduction, the position is held by a framework of percutaneously introduced thin Kirschner-wires.