[Intra-articular finger fractures in children]

From 1982 to 1984 140 patients with fractures of the fingers were admitted to the department of surgery of the University Children's Hospital. Only 28 patients (21.5%) suffered from intraarticular fractures. Three 3/12 years later, 10 patients (35.7%) presented functional trouble or suffered from pain. Only 2 of the 15 conservatively treated patients had trouble. On the other hand, 8 children out of the 13 operatively treated patients presented an unsatisfactory result. Localisation, type of fracture and kind of treatment are analysed. We prefer as a rule conservative treatment excepting fractures of type Salter III and IV, osseous ruptures of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb and dislocated fractures. We suggest splinting with 0.6 mm K-wires.