What is an intra articular fracture of the proximal phalanx?
Intra-articular fractures of the base of the proximal phalanx (PP) usually occur following an abduction force most commonly seen in sports injuries or a fall. Displaced fractures may not be reducible conservatively because of collateral ligament avulsion which worsens the fracture displacement with MP flexion.
How long does proximal phalanx fracture take to heal?
Many stable phalanx fractures can be treated nonoperatively through close monitoring until clinical healing is noted. Proximal phalanx fractures will often be clinically healed 4 weeks status post injury, at which time it is unlikely that the fracture will displace.
What is a fractured proximal phalanx in a toe?
The proximal phalanx is the toe bone that is closest to the metatarsals. Because it is the longest of the toe bones, it is the most likely to fracture. A fractured toe may become swollen, tender and discolored. If the bone is out of place, your toe will appear deformed.
What is an intra-articular fracture?
An intra-articular fracture refers to a fracture that extends from the bone into the nearby joint. In the case of radial fractures, this means that the fracture has extended from the end of the radius (the larger of the two bones in the forearm) into the wrist joint.
How is a phalanx fracture treated?
Treatment consists of open reduction and internal fixation of the intra-articular fracture with reinsertion of the profundus tendon. For fractures of the middle phalanx, if conservative treatment is not sufficient, then percutaneous pinning or open reduction using K-wires is used.
Does oblique fracture require surgery?
Oblique Fracture Treatment for an Oblique Fracture: Treatment varies depending on the severity of the injury. If it’s a minor fracture, conservative treatment (such as immobilizing the bone with a cast) will suffice. However, there are instances when the bones need to be realigned and surgery is required.
What is oblique intra-articular fracture?
An intraarticular fracture is a fracture that crosses a joint surface. Such fractures also involve some cartilage damage. Fractures to joints are more complicated to treat and heal than simple fractures, as multiple bones are involved.
What are intra articular fractures of the proximal joint?
Intra-articular fractures of the proximal interphalangeal joints (PIPJs) occur frequently through a variety of mechanisms. The PIPJ is a particularly important joint for the function of the hand and is unforgiving.
What causes a fracture at the base of the proximal phalanx?
If coronal forces are applied to a finger, intra-articular avulsion fractures of the base of the proximal phalanx are a consequence of ligament strength superior to bone strength. This type of fracture results in evident joint instability ( Fig. 16.1 ).
How is a phalanx fracture of the hand treated?
Introduction Phalanx fractures are common hand injuries that involve the proximal, middle or distal phalanx. Diagnosis can be confirmed with orthogonal radiographs of the involve digit. Treatment involves immobilization or surgical fixation depending on location, severity and alignment of injury.
When to do a radiograph of the proximal phalanx?
Fig. 16.1 An intra-articular avulsion fracture of the base of the proximal phalanx is a consequent of ligament stability superior to bone strength. Plain radiographs (posteroanterior [PA] and lateral views) of the injured finger should always be performed when a fracture is suspected.