Alireza Saied, MD; Seyed Mohammad Sabet Jahromi, MD
Abstract
Background: Fracture of phalanx is common upper extremity fracture. Two pining methods are used for fixation of extraarticular proximal phalanx transverse fractures: transarticular parallel pins passing through (MCP) joint and extraarticular cross pining of fracture with out going through MCP joint. ...
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Background: Fracture of phalanx is common upper extremity fracture. Two pining methods are used for fixation of extraarticular proximal phalanx transverse fractures: transarticular parallel pins passing through (MCP) joint and extraarticular cross pining of fracture with out going through MCP joint. The purpose of this study was to comparie these two fixation methods.
Methods: This clinical trial study was done on proximal phalanx transvers fracture using two methods in a training center in Kerman-Iran. In first method, two parallel pins were used from metacarpal head passing through MCP joint into proximall phalanx. In second method two cross pins were used from proximall phalangeal condyles across the fracture. The active range of motion for MCP, PIP and DIP joints, the duration of resuming patients their daily activities, and post operation complications were evaluated.
Results: The mean active range of motion for MCP, PIP and DIP joints, 3 and 6 months after surgery showed no significant difference between the two methods of surgery. There was no significant difference between the two methods in age, gender and the duration of returining to work.
Conclusions: There was no difference in the results for using cross pining or parallel transarticular pin fixation for proximal phalanx fractures. Since intramedullary method is easier with less use of C-ARM, less damage to soft tissue damage and less distraction of fracture, using transarticular intramedullary parallel pins fixation for proximal phalanx fracture is suggested.
