UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: Phalanx Fractures

Category: Orthopedics

Keywords: Phalanx, fracture, treatment (PubMed Search)

Posted: 4/25/2009 by Michael Bond, MD (Updated: 6/27/2009)
Click here to contact Michael Bond, MD

  • Fractures of the phalanx are common, and fractures of the proximal phalanx can lead to significant disability if not treated appropriately.
  • Be sure to check for malrotation, which is a common problem.  Check for this by examing for the normal cascade in finger flexion with the tips of the fingers pointing toward the proximal portion of the scaphoid
  • Acceptable Reduction:
    • No rotational deformity can be accepted
    • No more than 10 deg of angulation should be accepted in any plane
    • Malreduction will cause loss of equilibrium between flexor and extensor tendons.
  • Place the splint on the dorsum side of the finger so that the patient can still have sensation of the tip of their finger tip.
  • Patients requiring prompt referral to a hand surgeon are those with:
    • Intraarticular fractures
    • Malrotation
    • Unacceptable reductions
    • Unstable fractures