Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery - British Volume · 1997 · 33 citations · 0 references
Middle PhalanxSkeletal TraumaThumb HypoplasiaHand TraumaArticular SurfaceSurgical StabilizationOsteoarthritisFracture HealingSurgeryAnatomyHand SurgeryCraniofacial SurgeryMedicineSingle Palmar FragmentOrthopaedic Surgery
We classified fractures of the base of the middle phalanx into five types: 1) single palmar fragment; 2) single dorsal fragment; 3) two main fragments; 4) not involving the articular surface, including epiphyseal separation in children; and 5) all others. Types 1 and 2 were subclassified into avulsion, split and split-depression. Surgery is recommended for unstable type-1 avulsion fractures, type-2 avulsions which may develop buttonhole deformities, and all fractures which displace articular cartilage surfaces. Long-term follow-up showed that surgical treatment which produced good stability and congruity gave good results. These should be the primary aims of treatment.