Functional Outcomes Following Pilon Fractures of the Middle Phalanx Managed with the Ligamentotaxor External Fixator.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The surgical aims in managing displaced intra-articular fractures of the base of the middle phalanx include early joint reduction, maintaining congruence and early mobilization. Achieving this can be a challenge. However dynamic external fixators offer a solution. The study aim was to evaluate the use and outcomes of the Ligamentotaxor external fixator in patients with such injuries.

METHODS:

A total of 12 patients were managed with this device and outcomes were assessed. All patients reached clinical and radiological union.

RESULTS:

An average range of movement to the proximal interphalangeal joint of 63° was noted along with an average end of care-cycle quick-DASH score of 9.1. Two patients developed pin-site infections.

CONCLUSIONS:

The outcomes seen support the use of the Ligamentotaxor in the management of middle phalanx intra-articular fractures. It is simple to apply, potentially avoids the secondary complications of open reduction and gives reproducible results. However judicious patient selection is advised.

• Authors: Toby Colegate-Stone, Kebba Marenah, John Compson, Ramon Tahmassebi, Adel Tavakkolizadeh
• Journal: Hand surgery : an international journal devoted to hand and upper limb surgery and related research : journal of the Asia-Pacific Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand (Hand Surg) Vol. 20 Issue 2 Pg. 285-9 ( 2015) ISSN: 1793-6535 [Electronic] Singapore
• PMID: 26051770 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Equipment Design
• External Fixators
• Female
• Finger Injuries (physiopathology, surgery)
• Finger Joint (physiopathology, surgery)
• Follow-Up Studies
• Fracture Fixation (instrumentation)
• Humans
• Intra-Articular Fractures (physiopathology, surgery)
• Male
• Prospective Studies
• Range of Motion, Articular (physiology)