Etiology, Evaluation, and Management Options for the Stiff Digit

Risks of Reoperation in Surgically Treated Fractures of the Proximal Phalanx

Purpose

The objective of this study was to determine the risk factors and the rate of reoperation after closed reduction percutaneous pinning (CRPP) of isolated closed single-digit proximal phalanx fractures.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted for patients who underwent CRPP of non-thumb closed proximal phalanx fractures between 2010 and 2020 at two level-I trauma centers and two community teaching hospitals. Demographics, fracture, and treatment characteristics were collected. The primary outcome measure was reoperation. Secondary outcome measures were complication and reoperation specifically for digital stiffness.

Results

Of the 115 patients who underwent surgical treatment, 46 patients (40.0%) had a complication and 13 patients (11.3%) underwent reoperation at a mean of 6.7 months-most of which (84.6%) were for digital stiffness.

Conclusions

Surgeons and patients may be aware that CRPP of closed extra-articular proximal phalanx fractures carries considerable rates of complication and reoperation.

Type of study/level of evidence

Therapeutic III.

Passive Manipulation for Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Extension Contractures

PURPOSE

We investigated closed passive manipulation as an alternative to surgery for certain proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint extension contractures.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients with PIP joint extension contractures treated with passive manipulation at our institution between 2015 and 2019. The included patients were a minimum of 12 weeks from their initial injury/surgery (median 179 days; interquartile range: 130-228 days), had plateaued with therapy, and underwent a 1-time passive manipulation. All included fingers had congruent PIP joints and no indwelling hardware that could have had direct adhesions. Most (80%) patients had a direct injury to the finger ray(s) that led to the contractures. Most (75%) patients had the manipulation performed under local anesthesia in the office. Available measures of passive range of motion (PROM) and active range of motion (AROM) immediately, within 6 weeks, between 6 and 12 weeks, and at >12 weeks after the manipulation were recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients and 46 digits met the criteria. The median PIP joint PROM improved from 50° to 90° immediately following the manipulation. The median PROM values within 6 weeks, between 6 and 12 weeks, and at >12 weeks following manipulation were 80°, 85°, and 85°, respectively. The median AROM immediately after the manipulation improved from 40° to 90°, and the median AROM values within 6 weeks, between 6 and 12 weeks, and at >12 weeks were 70°, 50°, and 60°, respectively. None of the patients experienced worsening of PIP joint range of motion. One patient who had 4 fingers manipulated had a 45° distal interphalangeal joint extension lag for one of the fingers after the manipulation. Eight fingers underwent later flexor tenolysis or reconstruction to improve AROM after the gains in PROM via manipulation were maintained.

CONCLUSIONS

Passive manipulation is an alternative to surgical release for select PIP joint extension contractures.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Late Flexor Entrapment in Neocortex After Pediatric Forearm Fracture: A Case Report

CASE

A pediatric patient sustained an open Monteggia-equivalent fracture treated operatively. Despite uneventful fracture healing, late-onset extrinsic flexor tightness of the index finger occurred. A neocortex developed about the torn ulnar periosteum, entrapping the index flexor digitorum profundus muscle belly. Despite being 5 years postinjury, motion was improved after proximal muscle release.

CONCLUSION

Acute flexor entrapment is well-reported in forearm fractures; however, late-onset entrapment inside a neocortex is not. Although early recognition of restricted motion is ideal, even long-standing contractures may be amenable to improvement with appropriate treatment guided by the physical examination.