Blocking Plate for Volar Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Fracture Dislocation

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Hand surgery
• Traumatology

Background:

• Volar fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint are complex injuries.
• Stabilization of the central avulsion fragment is crucial for successful treatment.
• Current techniques may have limitations in achieving stable fixation and early motion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a 2-mm miniplate as a dorsal blocking plate for stabilizing PIP joint volar fracture dislocations.
• To assess the clinical outcomes, including pain and range of motion, following this surgical technique.

Main Methods:

• A case series of 8 patients with PIP joint volar fracture dislocations was conducted.
• Patients underwent fixation using a 2-mm miniplate as a dorsal blocking plate.
• Clinical outcomes were assessed by measuring pain (visual analog scale) and range of motion (ROM) of the PIP and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints.

Main Results:

• All 8 patients achieved successful reduction of subluxation with no remaining articular step.
• The average follow-up period was 20 months.
• Mean visual analog scale pain score was 1.9, with average PIP joint ROM of 82° and average DIP joint ROM of 43°.

Conclusions:

• A 2-mm miniplate functions as a simple and effective dorsal blocking plate for volar fracture dislocations of the PIP joint.
• This technique provides satisfactory clinical outcomes, including pain relief and good range of motion.
• The dorsal blocking plate approach is a viable option for managing these challenging hand injuries.