Buttress Plating for Type 3-4-5 Jersey Finger Fractures: Without Bone Fragment Disruption and With a Challenging Rate of Hardware Removal-A Case Series.

PURPOSE: The use of plates in the treatment of Leddy-Packer type 3-5 flexor digitorum profundus tendon avulsion injuries is becoming increasingly prevalent; however, potential complications, including disruption of the avulsed bone fragment and damage to the flexor digitorum profundus tendon, may be encountered. The objective of this study was to ascertain whether the buttress plate technique, without screw placement in the avulsed fragment, can be employed as a treatment option for patients with type 3, 4, and 5 flexor digitorum profundus tendon avulsion injuries.

METHODS: Type 3, 4, and 5 flexor digitorum profundus tendon avulsion injuries treated with the buttress plate technique were evaluated retrospectively. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score, range of motion of the distal interphalangeal joint, and visual analog scale score for pain were assessed.

RESULTS: The study included 12 patients with types 3-5 flexor digitorum profundus tendon avulsion injury. The follow-up period averaged 21 months (range, 15-32 months). All patients achieved union. The mean active range of flexion motion obtained in the distal interphalangeal joint was 74° (SD, 19°). Patients with type 3 and 5 injuries exhibited a functional distal interphalangeal joint range of motion. The plate was removed in nine patients with plate-related tenderness in the finger.

CONCLUSIONS: The buttress plate technique may be considered as a treatment option for type 3 and type 5 injuries.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.