Cerclage Wire Fixation for Fracture-Dislocations of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint

Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint fracture dislocations are challenging injuries to treat. Multiple and varied treatments have been proposed. We present the use of cerclage wiring as a helpful technique in these challenging scenarios. The technique has the benefit of securing fracture fragments from the volar or dorsal base of middle phalanges or a comminuted fracture involving the entire articular surface. We report on the use of cerclage wires in eight patients (average: 43 years of age). Three patients had volar base fractures, three dorsal base fractures, and two impacted fractures involving the entire articular surface. All fractures healed, and average postoperative PIP active flexion motion arc was 21° to 95° (functional arc of 74°). We believe cerclage wire fixation is an effective and reproducible method to treat intra-articular fractures of middle phalanges, especially comminuted fractures involving the entire articular surface, and should be available to hand surgeons treating these difficult injuries.