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Research Article| Volume 1, ISSUE 1, P14-24, February 2001

Unicondylar and bicondylar proximal phalangeal fractures

      Abstract

      Anatomic position, stability, and early motion are the key principles for achieving good results with all types of intra-articular condylar fractures of the proximal phalanx. When stabilization is necessary, soft tissue trauma should be minimized to lessen the risk of scar formation and consequent stiffness at the proximal interphalangeal joint. Oblique unicondylar fractures treated with 2-point (or more) Kirschner wire or 1 (or more) mini-screw fixation(s) have the best results. This is also true of bicondylar fractures, although mini-condylar plate fixation may achieve equally good results in bicondylar fractures with large condylar fragments. Screw fixation is recommended for triplane fractures. Although loss of reduction, delayed treatment, nonunion, deformity, or arthritis may complicate these injuries, stiffness is the most frequent and serious complication. Infection is rare. Copyright © 2001 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand
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