Management of intra-articular fracture of the fingers via mini external fixator combined with limited internal fixation.
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BACKGROUND: Intra-articular fractures of the fingers are common problems to emergency physicians and hand surgeons. Inappropriate management of these injuries may result in chronic pain, stiffness, deformity, or post traumatic arthritis. Ideal treatment necessitates the restoration of a stable and congruent joint that will allow early mobilization. The purpose of this study was to investigate the results of intra-articular fracture of the fingers by mini external fixator combined with limited internal fixation. METHODS: From May 2005 to May 2007, a total of 26 patients with intra-articular fracture of the fingers were treated by mini external fixator combined with limited internal fixation. Of the 26 cases, 11 involved in metacarpophalangeal joint, and 15 interphalangeal joint in proximal interphalangeal. Kirschner wire, mini wire and absorbable suture were used for limited internal fixation. All patients were followed up and patients were accomplished with total active motion (TAM) of fingers. RESULTS: All patients were reviewed by an independent observer. The mean follow up was 13 months (range 9 to 24 months). Subjective, objective and radiographic results were evaluated. X-ray films revealed fracture union and the average radiographic union time was 7 weeks with a range of 5 - 12 weeks and the phalange shortening or rotation in 2 cases, joint incongruity (less than 1 mm) and joint space narrowing in 3 cases respectively. Phalangeal shortening or rotation was observed in 2 cases and joint incongruity or joint space narrowing was observed in 3 cases. An artificial implant was performed on one case for traumatic arthritis 1.5 years after surgery. Based on TAM the overall good-excellent rate of joint motion function was 80.8%. CONCLUSION: Mini external fixator combined with limited internal fixation is a reliable and effective method for treatment of intra-articular fracture of the fingers. (+info)
Chronic perilunate dislocations treated with open reduction and internal fixation: results of medium-term follow-up.
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Outcome of olecranon osteotomy in the trans-olecranon approach of intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus.
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BACKGROUND: The trans-olecranon approach has been suggested to improve the visualization of complex intra-articular distal humerus fractures. Significant osteotomy complications have prompted a search for alternative approaches. The purpose of this series was to study the outcome of the olecranon osteotomy in terms of union and complications and the ultimate outcome of the fracture. METHODS: Ninety-four patients with intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus (type C3) were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using the trans-olecranon approach. The patients were followed from 6 to 48 months, with an average follow-up of 24 months. RESULTS: All osteotomies united in an average of 11 weeks (range, 8-20 weeks). There was no non-union, although union was delayed in four osteotomies, which all healed by 20 weeks without any intervention. The most frequent complication in this study was symptomatic osteotomy fixation in 19% of patients, all of whom underwent a secondary procedure for the removal of the implant after the osteotomy had united. Seventy-one percent of the unsatisfactory results were seen in those patients who had symptomatic olecranon fixation. CONCLUSION: Despite a few manageable complications, the trans-olecranon approach is essential for the adequate visualization and fixation of the complex fracture of the distal humerus. Adequate fixation of the osteotomy is essential to prevent complications and achieve a satisfactory outcome. (+info)