Purpose: Proximal phalanx fracture is the most frequently encountered fracture in the hand. It is inherent with complications like malunion and stiffness. Poor functional outcome with the conventional conservative technique has been reported in unstable fractures. Though various surgical method of fixation of phalanx fracture has been described, here we narrate a specific intramedullary technique using two Kirschner wires (K-wires) through safe portals.
Materials and methods: A total of 150 proximal phalanx fractures were treated in our hospital within the time period of 2 years (2015–2017). All types of fractures were treated with two percutaneous antegrade intramedullary K-wiring from proximal phalanx base under fluoroscopy ensuring anatomical reduction and avoiding rotation of fragments. On table, full flexion and extension were checked to avoid soft tissue impalement. The K-wires were removed at 3-week postoperative period. Outcomes were analyzed in terms of postreduction radiograph evaluation, mobilization, fracture healing, and function of hand was graded according to Belsky's criteria.
Results: Patients were followed for minimal period of 1 year and maximum of 28 months (mean: 36 months). Out of 150 proximal phalanx fractures, 137 (91.3%) had excellent outcome with excellent total active motion (TAM) >250° and pain-free union with proximal interphalangeal (PIP) flexion >100°. Eight (5.3%) had good outcome. Two (1.33%) patients had loosening of K-wire with early removal which resulted in malunion. Three (2%) patients had finger stiffness due to poor compliance.
Conclusion: To conclude, this closed intramedullary technique of percutaneous K-wiring is an elegant method of fixation through safe corridor giving best functional outcomes with least complication.
Barton NJ. Fractures of the shafts of the phalanges of the hand. Hand 1979;11(2):119–133. DOI: 10.1016/s0072-968x(79)80024-8
Butt WD. Fractures of the hand. I. Description. Can Med Assoc J 1962;86(16):731–735. PMID: 13875217.
Burkhalter WE, Reyes FA. Closed treatment of fractures of the hand. Bull Hosp Jt Dis Orthop Inst 1984;44(2):145–162. DOI: 10.1016/0363-5023(89)90120-2
Faruqui S, Stern PJ, Kiefhaber TR. Percutaneous pinning of fractures in the proximal third of the proximal phalanx: complications and outcomes. J Hand Surg Am 2012;37:1342–1348. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2012.04.019
Rex C, Vignesh R, Javed M, et al. Safe corridors for K-wiring in phalangeal fractures. Indian J Orthop 2015;49(4):388–392. DOI: 10.4103/0019-413.159591.392
Belsky MR, Eaton RG, Lane LB. Closed reduction and internal fixation of proximal phalangeal fractures. J Hand Surg Am 1984;9:725–729. DOI: 10.1016/S0363-5023(84)80023-4
Ryes F. Dynamic closed treatment of proximal phalanx fractures. In: 38th American Society for Surgery of the Hand Annual Meeting; 1983; Anaheim, CA, USA.
Jehan S, Chandraprakasam T, Thambiraj S. Management of proximal phalangeal fractures of the hand using finger nail traction and a digital splint: a prospective study of 43 cases. Clin Orthop Surg 2012;4(2):156–162. DOI: 10.4055/cios.2012.4.2.156
Singh J, Jain K, Mruthyunjaya, et al. Outcome of closed proximal phalangeal fractures of the hand. Indian J Orthop 2011;45(5):432–438. DOI: 10.4103/0019-5413.83764
Hornbach EE, Cohen MS. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of fractures of the proximal phalanx. J Hand Surg 2001;26:45–49. DOI: 10.1054/jhsb.2000.0524
Thomas BP, Sreekanth R, RajPallapati SC. Open proximal phalangeal fractures of the hand treated by theta fixation. Indian J Orthop 2015;49:312–316. DOI: 10.4103/0019-5413.156204
Pun WK, Chow SP, So YC, et al. Unstable phalangeal fractures: treatment by A.O. screw and plate fixation. J Hand Surg 1991:16(1):113–111. DOI: 10.1016/s0363-5023(10)80023-1
Gonzalez MH, Igram CM, Hall RF. Intramedullary nailing of proximal phalangeal fractures. J Hand Surg 1995;20(5):808–812. DOI: 10.1016/S0363-5023(05)80436-8
Kremer L, Frank J, Lustenberger T, et al. Epidemiology and treatment of phalangeal fractures: conservative treatment is the predominant therapeutic concept. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2022;48:567–571. DOI: 10.1007/s00068-020-01397-y
Lögters TT, Lee HH, Gehrmann S, et al. Proximal phalanx fracture management. Hand (N Y) 2018;13(4):376–383. DOI: 10.1177/1558944717735947