Application of single finger opposite direction traction external fixator in the treatment of intraarticular comminuted fractures of the fingers

Abstract

Objective To explore the experience and understanding of the treatment of intraarticular comminuted fractures of the fingers using single finger opposite direction traction external fixator.Methods Single finger opposite direction traction external fixator was applied to treat 35 cases of intraarticular comminuted fractures of the fingers from January 2003 to November 2009.Results All 35 cases were follow-up for an average of 12.5 months.During the follow-up,no pin hole infection and finger necrosis were noticed.Fracture union time ranged from 3 to 6 weeks.There were no complications such as nonunion or osteomyelitis.According to the total active movement evaluation system (TAM system) introduced by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand in 1975,the results of this series were excellent in 19 cases,good in 15 cases and fair in 1 case.The good rate was 97.14％.Conclusion Single finger opposite direction traction external fixator has simple design and is easy to construct.It can achieve stable fixation particularly in the reduction and fixation of intraarticular comminuted fractures of the fingers.We recommend its wide clinical application. Key words: Finger phalanges; External fixators; Fractures,comminuted; Joints