Percutaneous Reduction and Fixation of Displaced Phalangeal Neck Fractures in Children

Background: Several methods have been reported for fixation of displaced phalangeal neck fractures in children. The purpose of this study is to present a technique for the closed reduction and percutaneous fixation of displaced phalangeal neck fractures and the clinical results of 4 patients treated by this method. Methods: Four consecutive patients with displaced phalangeal neck fractures were treated with closed reduction and single intramedullary Kirschner wire placed percutaneously with a novel technique. Results: The average age at injury was 5 years 9 months (range, 23mo to 10 y). Three patients were male and 1 was female. Two patients had fractures of the proximal phalangeal neck, whereas the other 2 had fractures of the middle phalangeal neck. After an average follow-up of 18 weeks, all patients had nearly full pain-free flexion and extension of the affected digit. Conclusions: The described technique is a simple, reproducible and effective treatment for displaced phalangeal neck fractures in children. Level of Evidence: Level IV. Therapeutic study, case series.