Narrow Results

Isolated distal ulnar head and neck fractures are rare. Undisplaced fractures are normally treated non-operatively. We report a case of a reverse oblique ulnar head and neck fracture, which despite the initial undisplaced configuration, was unstable and displaced over the subsequent weeks. We believe that, though this particular fracture pattern could have been treated in a cast, it requires careful follow up, especially early on, or to undergo early internal fixation.

Background: To evaluate the treatment of severe dorsal fracture dislocation (DFD) injuries of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) by open reduction, bone grafting and fixation with mini-hook plates.

Methods: Fourteen patients with extensive dorsal fracture dislocation of the PIPJ were operatively treated to reconstruct the fractured middle phalanx volar lip using a fabricated hook plate in conjunction with elevation and bone grafting of depressed articular fragments where present.

Results: Restoration of PIPJ articular anatomy and congruence by hook plate fixation permitted full-range mobilization of the joint during fracture healing, with an average arc of motion of 81° and an average loss of extension of 12.9° at a minimum of 6 months follow up. Hook plate treatment of PIPJ fracture dislocation restores articular anatomy and joint congruence at a single sitting and permits post-operative mobilization without the need for extension block splinting.

Conclusions: Our results demonstrate a good range of motion following treatment, however hardware removal and tenolysis was necessary in 36% of cases.