Volar Plate Fractures

Abstract

Rupture of the volar plate of the proximal interphalangeal joint, usually secondary to hyper-extension injury, may be accompanied by a radiographically evident avulsion fracture at the base of the middle phalanx. Findings were reviewed in 55 patients with 58 cases of volar plate fracture. This fracture should be specifically looked for in a patient with the typical history, since it may be the only radiographic evidence of a potentially disabling injury.

Easily Missed Fractures of the Upper Extremity

“…It serves to prevent hyperextension. 41 The distal aspect of the volar plate is characterized by a dense fibrocartilaginous component centrally that attaches to the volar base of the phalanx. The lateral aspects of this distal attachment fuse with the fibers of the accessory collateral ligaments.…”

“…The lateral aspects of this distal attachment fuse with the fibers of the accessory collateral ligaments. 41 During acute hyperextension, a distal volar plate injury can result in avulsion of the adjacent osseous attachment. Because there is almost always an ulnar component to the force, radial-sided avulsions predominate.…”

Imaging Finger Joint Instability with Ultrasound

“…45 In more severe injuries, bony avulsion fractures and a complete tear of PIPJ supporting structures can occur resulting in joint instability. 46 PIPJ injuries are generally classified into three types based on increasing severity: type I (hyperextension injury), type II (dorsal dislocation), and type III (fracture-dislocation). In PIPJ traumas, the base of the MPh is driven against the head of the PPh with the brunt of the force absorbed by the volar lip of the MPh.…”

Sonography of the finger flexor and extensor system at the hand and wrist level: findings in volunteers and anatomical correlation in cadavers

“…16). The volar plates are fibrous structures attached to the distal phalanx and joint capsule that extend proximally [17]. The oblique bands of the collateral ligaments of the joint connect to the volar plates.…”