Phalangeal fractures in children

Abstract

Phalangeal fractures are a pathology that is often encountered in the emergency room setting. In the majority of cases, only a brief period of immobilisation is required while only few require operative treatment. In order to achieve an optimal outcome, it is necessary to be able to recognise the few types of fractures that require operative treatment. Seymour fracture should be treated according to the principles of open fracture management. Bony mallet finger with joint subluxation should be operatively stabilised. Subcapital fracture, condylar fracture as well as skier’s thumb with significant dislocation are indications for operative treatment. In the majority of complex metacarpophalangeal dislocations, open reduction and fixation is required. Avulsions of the volar plate may result in proximal interphalangeal joint stiffness when immobilised longer than one week, and in cases of avulsion from the dorsum of the middle phalanx, one should always exclude central slip rupture. Key words: FINGER PHALANGES; FRACTURE, BONES; CHILD; PEDIATRICS