Foley Catheter as a Source of Rubber Bands for the Reconstruction of a Suzuki Frame

Abstract

Dear Sir, Fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joints (PIPJ) of the fingers are challenging to treat [1]. The pins-and-rubbers traction system (Fig. 1), as developed by Suzuki et al., is a valuable treatment option for complex intra-articular fractures of the PIPJ [2, 3]. Whilst Kirschner wire is readily available in operating theatres, the rubber band may not be so. When available, the rubber band may not necessarily have the desired elasticity. Fig. 1 Example of a Suzuki frame. The rubber bands were obtained from a Foley catheter Foley catheter, which is easily obtainable in the hospital, can be cut into small rings of variable widths and circumferences that can then be used as the rubber bands (Fig. 2). The tension thus generated may be adjusted by the thickness of the slice and/or the size of the lumen. It is a cheap and versatile source of rubber bands. Fig. 2 Rubber bands of variable sizes and thicknesses can be cut from the draining tube of a Foley catheter