Distraction method for chronic dorsal fracture dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint

The authors used gradual ligamentous distraction for closed reduction of nine irreducible dorsal fracture dislocations of the PIP joint. The volar fragment size was equal to or less than 40% in five and more than 50% in four. The average follow up was 18 months. The sequence of treatment required distraction, translation, and joint flexion. Overdistraction by approximately 2 mm was necessary to get sufficient soft tissue lengthening. This allowed adequate joint flexion for concentric joint reduction. Distraction and simultaneous mobilization restored the final range of motion earlier than distraction and subsequent mobilization. The final range of motion of the PIP and DIP joints was from 12 degrees to 91 degrees and 0 to 45 degrees respectively.