[Functional treatment of the interphalangeal joints in palmar ligament rupture]

Palmar plate injuries of the interphalangeal joints are very common, yet they require careful treatment until full functional recovery is attained. This paper presents the results of follow-up examinations of 76 patients who underwent early functional treatment with a special dynamic splint. All had sustained an injury of the palmar plate of the PIP-joint (Type 1 or 2 according to Hintringer and Leixnering). After a velcro strip is released, the splint enables daily active exercise of the PIP joint with the joint being protected laterally and protected against hyperextension. This splint was worn for four weeks. After removal of the splint, 71% of all patients indicated that they did not have any problems, while 26% achieved the same mobility as the unaffected joint of the other hand after two more weeks of dynamic splinting. In only one case motion was inhibited for several further weeks.