Blocking Plate for Volar Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Fracture Dislocation.

PURPOSE: To assess the use of a 2-mm miniplate as a dorsal blocking plate to stabilize the central avulsion fragment in a proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) volar fracture dislocation.

METHODS

This was a case series comprising 8 patients with volar fracture dislocation of the PIP joint. The average age of the patients was 36 years. The patients were managed by this technique within an average of 11 days following the injury. The clinical outcome measurements included the assessment of pain and range of motion of the PIP and distal interphalangeal joints.

RESULTS

The average follow-up duration was 20 months. The mean visual analog scale pain score was 1.9. The average range of motion of the PIP joint was 82°, whereas the average range of motion of the distal interphalangeal joint was 43°. Reduction of the subluxation was achieved in all cases, with no articular step remaining.

CONCLUSIONS

A dorsal blocking plate is a simple technique, associated with a satisfactory outcome, for volar fracture dislocation injuries of the PIP joint.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic V.