Classification of fractures and dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint
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Updated: Oct 13, 2026

Creating Rigidly Stabilized Fractures for Assessing Intramembranous Ossification, Distraction Osteogenesis, or Healing of Critical Sized Defects
Published on: April 11, 2012
1Department of Plastic and Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois.
Abstract:
Detailed categorization of fractures and fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint should be done for all patients with these injuries. Fractures of the proximal portion of the middle phalanx and fractures of the condyles of the proximal phalanx vary greatly in their presentation, severity, prognosis, and treatment. Fractures of the condyles can be categorized simply by noting whether they are unicondylar or bicondylar, and with or without displacement. For the middle phalanx, I propose the grading system listed in Table 1. Universal acceptance and application of this classification system will advance our understanding and treatment of these difficult fractures.
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