PHALANX FRACTURE

Fractures of metacarpals and phalanges are the most common fractures of the upper extremity.

Fingers have three phalanges named proximal phalanx (towards the palm), middle phalanx and distal phalanx (Under the nail ).

Thumb has two phalanges only.

Depending on the location of fracture ,they are divided into articular (involving joint),neck,shaft and base fractures.

Most fractures are managed successfully without surgery.

Surgery is considered in certain circumstances like:

• Irreducible fractures

• Finger rotation due to fracture

• Articular fractures ( Fractures around joints )

• Open fractures ( Fractures with wound )

• Fractures with bone loss

• Polytrauma with hand fractures

• Multiple hand or wrist fractures

• Fractures with injury to artery, tendon, nerve or skin.

  
  

  Different types of implants are used in surgery. Common ones are

  
  

• Kirschner wires

• Plates and screws

• Screws alone

• External fixator Eg : JESS fixator, UMEX fixator etc