Dynamic external finger fixator for fracture dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint.

The treatment of fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint often results in pain and stiffness. A small dynamic external finger fixator was designed to maintain the reduced position of the dislocated middle phalanx and allow early active range-of-motion exercise. Four patients with acute unstable fracture dislocations and three with old malunited fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint were treated with this apparatus. The average range of the proximal interphalangeal joint motion with this device was 88 degrees. The average follow-up period was 21 months.