Quick splint for acute boutonniére injuries

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Sports medicine
• Hand surgery

Background:

• Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint injuries are prevalent in athletes participating in contact and ball sports.
• Common injuries include volar plate disruption and dorsal dislocations.
• Boutonniére injuries, though less common, can lead to significant functional impairment if untreated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of recognizing and managing boutonniére injuries of the PIP joint.
• To emphasize the potential for long-term consequences of undiagnosed or untreated boutonniére deformities.
• To underscore the challenges in managing established boutonniére deformities.

Main Methods:

• Review of common PIP joint injuries in athletes.
• Discussion of the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of boutonniére injuries.
• Analysis of treatment challenges and outcomes for boutonniére deformities.

Main Results:

• Boutonniére injuries represent a less common but significant cause of PIP joint dysfunction.
• Delayed diagnosis and treatment of boutonniére injuries result in difficult-to-manage deformities.
• Management of established boutonniére deformities often necessitates extensive interventions like prolonged immobilization or surgery.

Conclusions:

• Early identification and appropriate management of PIP joint boutonniére injuries are essential.
• Failure to address these injuries promptly can lead to chronic boutonniére deformity.
• Effective treatment strategies are critical for restoring function after PIP joint injuries.