The closed injury of proximal interphalangeal joint:anatomical and clinical study

Abstract

Objective To investigate the anatomical features of closed injuries of proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) and evaluate the clinical trearent and prognosis for injuries of different parts of PIP joint. Methods Anatomical study was carried out in 20 fresh cadaver finger specimens to analyze the mechanism of PIP joint injury and subsequent joint eontracture. Clinically 21 cases of PIP joint injury were surgically treated. Results Anatomical study showed that injury of the collateral ligament and proximal volar plate wouldn' t cause impairment of PIP joint movement. Injury of the collateral ligament resulted in lateral instability, while injury of the volar plate resulted in dorsal instability. Follow up of the 21 clinical eases ranged from 3 to 13 months, with an average of 7 months. The active range of motion of the PIP joint was 60°to 95° of flexion (average 78°) and 0° to 15° of extension (average 8°). The passive range of motion was 71° to 98° of flexion (average 82°) and 0° ~ 18° of extension (average 11°). Conclusion It is necessary to repair the volar plate and collateral ligament in a closed injury of the PIP joint to avoid joint contracture. Key words: Finger injuries; PIP; Closed injuries