Volar plate arthroplasty of the distal interphalangeal joint

Arthritis of the Thumb Interphalangeal and Finger Distal Interphalangeal Joint

The distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints are subjected to the highest joint forces in the hand, and at least 60% of individuals older than age 60 years have DIP joint arthritis. Debridement of degenerative distal interphalangeal joints with mild to moderate disease can provide satisfactory outcomes; however, those joints with more severe angular and rotation changes are reliably treated with fusions. Regardless of the fixation method, DIP fusions have high success rates, are well tolerated, and are extremely durable.

Fracture dislocation of the finger joints

Fracture dislocations of the hand are difficult and often unforgiving injuries. Keys to treatment include early recognition, stable concentric reduction, and protected early active range of motion maintaining joint stability. The balance between stability and mobility is difficult to manage; therefore, surgeons need a wide array of treatments to tailor management to the specific fracture pattern. With appropriate treatment, residual stiffness and pain can be minimized. This Current Concepts review aims to provide up-to-date management for proximal interphalangeal, distal interphalangeal, and metacarpophalangeal joint fracture dislocations.

Principles of hand fracture management

The hand is essential in humans for physical manipulation of their surrounding environment. Allowing the ability to grasp, and differentiated from other animals by an opposing thumb, the main functions include both fine and gross motor skills as well as being a key tool for sensing and understanding the immediate surroundings of their owner. Hand fractures are the most common fractures presenting at both accident and emergency and within orthopaedic clinics. Appropriate evaluation at first presentation, as well as during their management, can significantly prevent both morbidity and disability to a patient. These decisions are dependant on a wide range of factors including age, hand dominance, occupation and co-morbidities.A fracture is best described as a soft tissue injury with an associated bony injury. Despite this being the case, this paper intends to deal mainly with the bone injury and aims to discuss both the timing, as well as the methods available, of hand fracture management.

[Operative treatment of osseous pull out of the extensor tendon using a hook plate]

OBJECTIVE

Anatomical reposition and stabilization of dorsal distal phalanx fractures with a hook plate.

INDICATIONS

Dislocated mallet fractures type Doyle IVb with dislocation of the fragment by more than 2 mm and/or tilting of the fragment as well as dislocation of the dorsal distal phalanx fractures type Doyle IVc.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Florid inflammation of and injuries to the soft tissues in the operation area.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Dorsal approach to the distal interphalangeal joint (Y-, S-, H-shaped). Preparation of the fragment, cleaning the fracture gap, repositioning of the fragment, mounting of the plate, placing the screw. Controlling by image converter. Suture of the skin; tape.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

Stack splint for 4 weeks. After week 3, start with exercising of the distal interphalangeal joint within the splint. Physiotherapy is usually not required. Full exertion after 6-8 weeks is possible. The period of inability to work is dependent on the patient's occupation. Due to the danger of perforation and infection, it is recommended that the plate be removed after 3-6 months.

RESULTS

From February 2002 to September 2009, 77 mallet fractures type Doyle IVb and IVc were operatively stabilized with a hook plate. In a retrospective study, 59 patients were followed up at a mean interval of 38.3 (3-69) months after the operation. Wound healing problems or inflammation were not observed. Visible disturbances of nail growth were macroscopically seen in 11.9%. Results were very good in 35 patients (59.3%), good in 16 patients (27.1%), sufficient in 5 patients (8.5%), satisfying in 1 patient (1.7%), and insufficient in 2 patients (3.4%).

Multiple osteochondral autograft transfer to the proximal interphalangeal joint: case report

A 17-year-old boy who played baseball presented with swelling, pain, and crepitation in the right ring finger proximal interphalangeal joint after a remote trauma. Multiple osteochondral defects were identified on opposing articular surfaces. Cylindrical osteochondral grafts of 2.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mm were applied to the defects and congruency was restored. We confirmed vascularity of the grafts by magnetic resonance. The boy returned to full sports activities. No signs of arthritis were seen at 4-year follow-up radiographs.

Fracture-dislocation about the finger joints

Fracture-dislocations in the small joints of the fingers are challenging injuries. The surgeon must choose an appropriate treatment based on fracture pattern, joint stability, and injury chronicity. Fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint are notoriously unforgiving, with potential long-term sequelae of residual pain and stiffness. Similar injuries in the distal interphalangeal joint are more tolerant of fracture displacement and even joint subluxation. Dorsal dislocations of the metacarpophalangeal joint may be associated with shearing fractures of the metacarpal head but are most notable for the volar plate interposition that may block closed reduction.

Chronic recurrent dislocation of the distal interphalangeal joint of the finger: case report

We present a case of chronic, recurrent dislocation of the distal interphalangeal joint of the little finger after traumatic dislocation. Intraoperative findings showed complete avulsion of the volar plate from the base of the distal phalanx and laxity of the ulnar collateral ligament. The volar plate was reattached by the suture anchor technique and reinforced by the ulnar half of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon.

A novel hook plate fixation technique for the treatment of mallet fractures

Bony mallet injuries are generally treated nonoperatively, but when the fragment involves a significant percentage of the articular surface, articular incongruity and instability can occur. A number of techniques have been described for the fixation of such fractures and each has its own problems. Anatomic reduction and secure fixation of small fragments can be challenging. Our objective is to describe a new surgical technique using a 1.3-mm hook plate that provides good reduction and stable fixation of a mallet fracture, with early mobilization of the distal interphalangeal joint.