Closed reduction and percutaneous K-wires versus open reduction and interosseous loop wires for displaced unstable transverse fractures of the shaft of the proximal phalanx of the fingers in industrial workers.

Seventy-eight male industrial workers with displaced unstable transverse fractures of the shaft of the proximal phalanx of the fingers were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 40 men, mean age = 34 years, range = 22-46 years) was treated with closed reduction and percutaneous K-wires, and Group 2 (n = 38 men, mean age = 33 years, range = 20-48 years) was treated with open reduction and interosseous loop wire fixation. At final follow-up, the total active motion (TAM) score of the injured finger was graded as excellent, good, fair or poor if it was greater than 240 degrees , 220 degrees , 180 degrees or less than 180 degrees , respectively. Group 2 had significantly better overall TAM scores than Group 1 (P = 0.03). The complication rate was higher in Group 1 than Group 2 (28% versus 11%) but the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.084). The results were compared with those reported by other authors and other techniques of fixation of these fractures.