Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Screw Fixation of Phalangeal Fractures of the Hand

Abstract

Aim: This study present the results of an effective, minimally invasive treatment method for displaced diaphyseal and articular fractures of hand phalanges, which are difficult to manage and frequently involve complications stemming from excessive treatment.Methods: 93 patients with phalangeal fractures of the hand were treated using minimally invasive screw osteosynthesis. We carried out a prospective study covering the period from November 2002 to November 2013. All the fractures were closed and 39 (41.9%) fractures were intra-articular. The most common type of fracture was the long oblique, in 40 (43%) cases, followed by the spiral fracture in 14 (15.1%) cases. Results:The functional results attending mobility range and fracture healing obtained after the last revision (6 months) were excellent in 68 patients (73.1%), good in 18 (19.4%) and poor in 7 (7.5%). Conclusions:Percutaneous screw osteosynthesis reduces the time of fracture immobilisation to the maximum, contributing to earlier functional recovery, and leaves no aesthetic defects. It is a very useful technique in specially selected fractures and patients.Type de study/Level of evidence: Therapeutic III.