Treatment of difficult PIP joint fractures with a mini-external fixation device

Closed intra-articular proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint fractures--often with accompanying joint subluxation--constitute a difficult treatment problem. This article presents an alternative method consisting of closed treatment of complex PIP joint fractures with a mini-external fixator. The method utilizes the traction principle without necessitating a complex outrigger system. Immobilization is reduced to 3 weeks and monitored with a mini-fluoro unit. The three cases presented had 1- to 2-year follow-up and excellent clinical results despite suboptimal roentgenographic appearance.