Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Dorsal Fracture-Dislocation of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint Using a Low-Profile Mini-Plate: A Report of Three Cases
Abstract
Although dorsal fracture-dislocations of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints of the fingers are relatively rare injuries, if left untreated, functional disabilities of the DIP joints persist. Thus, reducing the dislocation and reconstructing the articular surface at the base of the distal phalanx is crucial to allow early DIP joint motion. This study evaluates the outcomes of three patients with dorsal fracture-dislocations of the DIP joints. Two patients had a split-depression type fracture and one had an impaction type fracture, and articular involvement averaged 55.7%. They were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using a low-profile mini-plate. Dorsal instability of the DIP joint is stabilized with an extension block pin inserted into the middle phalangeal head, followed by plate fixation with the palmar approach of the distal phalanx. One patient had a concomitant dorsal fracture-dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the same finger which was treated by the same procedure. The average time from injury to surgery was 6.6 days. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated with joint motion, grip strength, Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire score as patient-based assessment, and plain radiographs. Strickland's scoring scale (Strickland's score) was used to evaluate total active motion. The mean postoperative follow-up was 18.6 months. The mean postoperative DIP joint motion was 0° on extension and 71.3° on flexion,…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
Read the paper
Related studies
- A Survey on Knowledge Graphs: Representation, Acquisition, and Applications
- Toxicity of nanomaterials
- The Human Gene Mutation Database: towards a comprehensive repository of inherited mutation data for medical research, genetic diagnosis and next-generation sequencing studies
- Halogen bonding (X‐bonding): A biological perspective
- Biofilm formation at the air–liquid interface by the Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 wrinkly spreader requires an acetylated form of cellulose
- Opioid Activation of Toll-Like Receptor 4 Contributes to Drug Reinforcement
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.