Fracture of the proximal, phalanx of the little finger in children: A classification and a method to measure the deformity

OBJECTIVE: To develop an improved method for measuring the deformity caused by fracture of the proximal end of the proximal phalanx of the little finger in children. DESIGN: A prospective case study. SETTING: Regional hospitals with an orthopedic service. PATIENTS: Forty-two children with a proximal phalangeal fracture of the little finger and 42 children without a phalangeal fracture, who acted as a control. The type of deformity resulting from the fracture was noted, and the angle of deformity was measured. Rotational deformities were measured clinically in all patients and angulation deformities were measured from radiographs. The deformities were graded and classified. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measurements of the fracture deformity before and after manipulation. RESULTS: There were 38 ulnar angulation deformities, 26 dorsal angulation deformities, 10 ulnar rotation deformities, 3 palmar angulation deformities, 2 radial angulation deformities and 1 radial rotation deformity. The deformities could be graded into 6 different types. CONCLUSION: The measurements of deformity made it possible to describe and classify isolated deformities and combinations of various deformities.