[Miniaturized osteosynthesis of articular fractures of the fingers. Results of a series of 60 cases].

The importance of anatomical reduction of articular fractures and early mobilisation of these severe forms of trauma which frequently damage the extensor apparatus (58% of cases, led us to propose direct miniaturised osteosynthesis as described by the Nancy-Strasbourg team. Of the 1,000 cases of osteosynthesis performed between 1978 and 1985, we selected 12 fractures of the MP joint, 38 fractures of the PIP joint and 10 fractures of the DIP joint, differentiated into 4 stages according to the condition of the skin and tendons and into 9 categories according to the anatomical type and the site of the fracture. Direct osteosynthesis (screw, bolt, pin) was used in every case. The clinical results were evaluated in terms of the Total Active Range of Movements, the local trophic state, the amount of pain and return to work, for each joint. When well conducted and with effective skin cover, this technique allows almost normal reconstruction in simple fractures and is valuable in more complex fractures by preserving sliding of the tendinous apparatus due to early mobilisation.