Fixed post-traumatic flexion-contractures of digits. Review of thirty-three cases

A fixed post-traumatic flexion contracture of a finger is usually secondary to multiple previous operations. We have observed that a former flexor tendon laceration is not constant and is missing in 18% of our cases. The flexor tendons are, nevertheless, always involved in the contracture. A volar skin contracture was present in all cases, but only in half of them was noted a retraction of the volar components of the PIP joint. This articular involvement has no statistical correlation with the time elapsed from the onset of the contracture. We have reviewed 33 cases of post-traumatic flexions contractures of the digits all secondary to volar trauma. In every case there was at least a flexor tendon adhesion and skin contracture. They have all been submitted to both objective and statistical analysis. Results have been evaluated by comparison between the normal functional range of motion for each digit and the actual post-operative active range of motion. On the basis of our study we conclude that the age of the patient is an important prognostic factor. We obtained 75% satisfactory results in patients younger than 27 years, but only 22% in the older group. Good results are more easily obtained in radial (65%) than ulnar digits (31%). While the authors rated 39% of the results bad, half of the patients in this group were satisfied with the result. A volar PIP joint release has been necessary in half of the cases with no significant secondary joint stiffness. A skin flap is necessary to cover the cutaneous defect secondary to the release. There is no statistically significant advantage to cross finger flaps. Therefore we feel that local flaps are indicated except in the cases where local scar tissues would not make it, feasible. The prognosis is independent of the number of previous operations and of associated nerve lesions. Therefore amputation is not the only solution for a multi-operated finger fixed in flexion.