No abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of an extended range of hand fractures treated with titanium, low profile plates, and screws. Materials and methodsThis retrospective study included adult patients with at least one phalangeal and/or metacarpal fracture, treated with mini titanium plates and screws, between 2004-2016, in a single trauma center, that were followed-up for at least 24 months and with complete, intact medical records. Results 90 patients (79 men and 11 women) with 114 hand (46 phalangeal, 68 metacarpal) fractures fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Thirty-two fractures were open (28.07%), 27 were intra-articular (23.68%), and 12 were both open and intra-articular fractures. The mean age of the patients was 36.02 years (range 17-75). Mean follow-up was 95.3 months (range 24 to 138). Open fractures had a reduced mean grip strength and total active motion. No difference was observed between intra-articular and extra-articular fractures (for grip strength and total active motion). Predictors of the final outcome included the severity of the initial injury (open vs closed) and not the anatomic location (intra-or extra-articular, metacarpal, or phalangeal) of the fracture. ConclusionsLow-profile plates and screws can successfully be used to establish union and restore the alignment of the fractured bone while achieving a satisfactory clinical outcome, even in cases of open or intra-articular fractures.

No abstract

No abstract

Osteoid osteomas of the distal phalanx of fingers are uncommon, which illustrates the difficulties in diagnosis. The authors report a case of a 5 year-old girl who presented a painful swelling of the distal phalanx of her right index finger. The phalanx was enlarged with a nail clubbing. Symptomatology had occurred at the age of 18 months. Unnoticed trauma was advocated. The patient underwent two surgical procedures before the diagnosis was brought up and confirmed by tomodensitometry. The tumour was removed, providing pain relief and improved appearance of tip and nail. One year follow-up shows no tumoural recurrence and a satisfying cosmetic appearance. A review of the literature points out that the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma of the distal phalanx is often delayed for several months or years. A better awareness of this tumour may prevent delay in diagnosis and unnecessary operations.