The treatment of dorsal fracture-dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint by closed reduction and Kirschner wire fixation: a 16-year follow up.

Ten patients who had sustained 11 unstable dorsal fracture-dislocations of finger proximal interphalangeal joints were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 16 years. All had been treated acutely by closed reduction and transarticular Kirschner wire fixation of the proximal interphalangeal joint, without any attempt at reduction of the fracture of the base of the middle phalanx, which probably involved 30-60% of the articular surface. Seven of the ten patients complained of no finger pain or stiffness, and none complained of severe pain. There was a mean fixed flexion deformity of 8 degrees at the proximal interphalangeal joint, which had a mean arc of movement of 85 degrees. Although subchondral sclerosis and mild joint space narrowing were observed in some instances, there were no severe degenerative changes. These results confirm that this technique is a reliable treatment method for these injuries, and produces satisfactory long-term results. Copyright 2001 The British Society for Surgery of the Hand.