Juxta-epiphyseal fractures of the base of the proximal phalanx of the fingers in children and adolescents.

A series of 34 juxta-epiphyseal fractures of the base of the proximal phalanx of the fingers of children and adolescents are presented. The pattern of injury appeared identical in all these fractures, with a lateral angulation force separating a small triangular metaphyseal fragment from the base of the phalanx on the side of angulation and the fracture line then continuing through the metaphysis, 1-2 mm distal to the growth plate. Fractures were classified into two types according to the degree of displacement. Type 1 fractures (n=18) were mildly displaced and were all successfully treated with closed reduction and splinting. Type 2 fractures (n=16) were severely displaced and problems with obtaining an adequate reduction and long-term residual deformities were encountered. One patient with a severely displaced fracture required open reduction and Kirschner-wire fixation because of flexor tendon entrapment at the fracture site. Another five cases required Kirschner-wire fixation after closed manipulation in order to maintain the reduction. The remaining 10 patients with Type 2 fractures were treated by closed reduction and splinting, and two patients healed with malunion causing a "pseudo-claw" deformity. Copyright 2002 The British Society for Surgery of the Hand.