Central Slip Repair using Trans-articular K-wires: A Comparative Study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Hand surgery
• Traumatology

Background:

• Central slip disruption can lead to proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint dysfunction and significant morbidity.
• Evidence for specific surgical management is limited, but early PIP joint mobilization is favored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare functional outcomes of central slip repair using internal K-wire splinting with complete immobilization versus external splinting only.
• To assess the impact of immobilization techniques on PIP joint function after central slip repair.

Main Methods:

• A single-center retrospective analysis of 44 patients undergoing operative central slip repair over 5 years.
• Data collected included demographics, range of motion, and total active motion (TAM) scores.
• Patients were divided into two groups: internal K-wire splinting (n=11) and external splinting only (n=33).

Main Results:

• No significant difference in mean total active motion (TAM) was found between the K-wire group (187.4°) and the no K-wire group (202.1°).
• Mean TAM percentage scores were also comparable: 72.1% for the K-wire group versus 78.0% for the no K-wire group.
• The study observed no statistically significant difference in functional outcomes between the two splinting methods.

Conclusions:

• Central slip repair with internal K-wire splinting and complete immobilization yields comparable functional outcomes to external splinting alone.
• Both immobilization techniques appear effective in managing central slip injuries, suggesting flexibility in treatment approaches.