Finger (phalanx) fracture: Difference between revisions

(Created page with "===Pearls=== * Be wary of avulsion fx of base of phalanx * Lateral or medial fracture fragment = collateral ligament avulsion * Dorsal fracture fragment = extensor tendon avuls...")
 
 
(31 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
===Pearls===
==Background==
*Be wary of avulsion fracture of base of phalanx
**Lateral or medial fracture fragment = collateral ligament avulsion
**Dorsal fracture fragment = extensor tendon avulsion
**Palmar fracture fragment = volar plate avulsion


{{Finger fracture types}}


* Be wary of avulsion fx of base of phalanx
==Clinical Features==
* Lateral or medial fracture fragment = collateral ligament avulsion
[[File:Broken finger.jpg|thumb|Unnatural angulation of a phalanx fracture.]]
* Dorsal fracture fragment = extensor tendon avulsion
*Pain and/or swelling of the digit
* Palmar fracture fragment = volar plate avulsion
* Flexion deformity of distal phalanx (mallet/baseball finger) = avulsion fx or extensor tendon rupture
=== ===


==Differential Diagnosis==
{{Hand and finger fractures DDX}}


===Proximal Phalanx Fx===
==Management==
{{General Fracture Management}}


==See Also==
*[[Hand and Finger Fractures]]
*[[Hand Diagnoses (Main)]]


* Examination
==References==
* Examine the phalanx with the fingers in full extension and flexion
<References/>
* Assess for malrotation
* Imaging
* AP, lateral, oblique
* Examine for rotation, shortening, angulation
* Treatment
* If requires ortho referral: Radial or ulnar gutter splint
* Nondisplaced, stable:  Consider buddy taping the injured finger to an adjacent finger
* If the ring finger is involved it should be buddy taped to the little finger
* Displaced or angulated fx
* Consider closed reduction
* After reduction ensure that PIP joint is in extension, MCP is in flexion (to avoid contracture)
* Disposition
* Refer for:
* Intraarticular
* Unstable
* Spiral or oblique fx
* Condylar fx
* Neck fx
* Large avulsion fx
* Rotated
* NO degree of rotation is acceptable following a reduction
* Shortened
* Significantly angulated
* Less than 10º may be tolerated


===Middle Phalanx Fx===
[[Category:Orthopedics]]
 
 
* Commonly associated with tendon injuries!
* Examination
* Assess PIP, DIP flexion/extension
* Assess PIP, DIP collateral ligaments (varus/valgus stress)
* Images
* AP, lateral, oblique
* Oblique and spiral fractures: evaluate for shortening/malrotation
* Treatment
* Nondisplaced without angulation:
* Buddy tape to adjacent finger
* Buddy tape ring finger to little finger
* Dorsal or volar finger splint if desire added protection 
* Displaced or angulated fx
* Closed reduction
* Adequate reduction:
* <1-2mm displacement or shortening
* Up to 10º of angulation
* No amount rotation
* Followed by ulnar or radial gutter splint
* Wrist in 20-30º of extension
* MCP joints in 70-90º of flexion
* PIP and DIP joints flexed 5-10º
* Decreases the force exerted by the FDS
* Dispo
* Refer for:
* Comminution
* Malrotation
* Intraarticular fx
* Displaced or angulated fractures that cannot maintain their reduction
* Most spiral and oblique fx (usually involve rotation or shortening and are unstable)
 
===Distal Phalanx Fx===
 
 
* Examination
* Evaluate for tendon damage
* Imaging
* Comminuted tuft fx
* Stable
* Longitudinal fx
* Usually non-displaced and stable
* Transverse fx
* Evaluate for angulation/displacement
* Intraarticular fx
* Treatment
* Nondisplaced: Splint with the DIP joint in extension (splint should extend past the tip of the distal phalanx(
* Do not attempt to reduce comminuted tuft fx
* Dispo
* Refer for:
* Tendon dysfunction
* Nerve dysfunction
* Displacement or angulation
* Intraarticular fx
 
==Source==
 
 
UpToDate
 
 
 
 
[[Category:Ortho]]

Latest revision as of 22:43, 22 March 2023

Background

  • Be wary of avulsion fracture of base of phalanx
    • Lateral or medial fracture fragment = collateral ligament avulsion
    • Dorsal fracture fragment = extensor tendon avulsion
    • Palmar fracture fragment = volar plate avulsion

Finger (phalanx) fracture types

Clinical Features

Unnatural angulation of a phalanx fracture.
  • Pain and/or swelling of the digit

Differential Diagnosis

Hand and Finger Fracture Types

Management

General Fracture Management

See Also

References