Joint sparing Kirschner-wire fixation for displaced proximal phalangeal neck fractures: randomized prospective...

The aim of this study was to compare two joint sparing Kirschner-wire fixation techniques for displaced proximal phalangeal neck fractures. Forty-six patients with proximal phalangeal neck fractures managed by either percutaneous antegrade flexible intramedullary nailing (Group I) or crossed Kirschner-wires (Group II) were recruited for a randomized prospective comparative study. Clinical and radiological assessment of all patients was done in addition to the Kang scoring system, Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score and total active motion. The mean time for radiological union for both groups was 5.8 weeks. The mean postoperative total active motion, Kang and the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores were better in Group I patients, but without any statistically significant differences. Closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner-wire fixation by a joint sparing approach will yield good functional results with no or minimal complications in proximal phalangeal neck fractures. Level of evidence: II.