Phalangeal fractures of the hand are a common injury that presents to the emergency department and clinic. Injuries can occur at the proximal, middle, or distal phalanx. For the vast majority of phalanx fractures, an acceptable reduction is manageable with non-operative treatment. Early intervention is vital to allow healing and return of function. Anatomy
The proximal and middle phalanges of the hand all possess a head, neck, shaft, and base. The distal phalanx divides into the tuft, shaft, and base. The proximal phalanx receives stabilization from the surrounding anatomy, including proper and accessory collateral ligaments, volar plate, and extensor/flexor tendons. The middle phalanx has two main insertions: the central slip (extensor mechanism) and the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS). The distal phalanx anatomy includes distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ), which is enveloped by the extensor and flexor tendons along with the volar plate and collateral ligaments. The flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) inserts at the volar metaphysis of the distal phalanx. At proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ), the flexor digitorum profundus and the flexor digitorum superficialis are within one sheath. The flexor digitorum superficialis is volar, and the flexor digitorum profundus is dorsal. As the tendons transverse the PIPJ the flexor digitorum superficialis bifurcates into two slips that form the Camper's chiasm which inserts on the volar aspect of the middle phalanx. This important anatomic relationship that can lead to a swan neck deformity (a hyperextended PIPJ and flexed DIPJ).[1]
Injury to the phalanges occurs with direct, blunt trauma, penetrating trauma, and crush injuries.
Phalanx fractures are the most common injuries in the body. They account for 10% of all fractures and 1.5% of all ED visits. The majority of trauma to the hand involves the phalanges (46% phalangeal, 36% metacarpal). The distal phalanx and border digits are most commonly injured. Males are more affected than females. The most common finger injured is the small finger.[2][3]
Phalanx fractures displace according to the level at which the fracture occurs due to the eloquent soft tissue and tendon involvement of the phalanx.
Distal Phalanx
Distal phalanx fractures are usually nondisplaced or comminuted fractures. They classify into tuft (tip), shaft, or articular injuries.
Middle Phalanx
Middle phalanx fractures occur in an apex dorsal or volar angulation depending on location. Apex dorsal angulation results from the fracture occurring proximal to the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) insertion so that the fragment becomes displaced by the pull of the central slip. Apex volar angulation occurs if the fracture is distal to the flexor digitorum superficialis insertion. A fracture through the middle third may angulate in either direction or not at all as a result of the inherent stability provided by an intact and prolonged flexor digitorum superficialis insertion. Proximal Phalanx
Proximal phalanx fractures occur in an apex volar angulation (dorsal angulation). The proximal fragment flexes due to interossei, and the distal phalanx extends due to the central slip.
The main component to focus on assessment are:
Diagnostic tests to consider include:
Mostly phalanx fractures are described by location (head, neck, shaft, base) and pattern (transverse, spiral, oblique, comminuted).[5]
Overall
The goal of surgical treatment is to allow stable reduction and early mobilization to prevent stiffness/contracture.[6]
Indications for surgical treatment are:
Proximal Phalanx Fractures
Non-operative
Operative
Closed reduction and internal fixation of proximal phalanx shaft fractures can be accomplished longitudinally through the metacarpal phalangeal joint but not the metacarpal head, or just through the metacarpal head. The wires for either of these options are run in a parallel fashion, cross, or run transversely into the phalanx.
Middle Phalanx Fractures
Proximal intra-articular fractures may be comminuted with axial load and considered “pilon” fractures. If the volar portion of the proximal base fracture constitutes approximately 40% of the articular surface, then it carries the majority of the proper collateral ligament insertion. Also, the accessory ligament and volar plate insertions, which make the fracture unstable. Dorsal proximal base fractures may be considered central slip avulsions.
Non-operative
Operative
Distal Phalanx Fractures
Most phalanx fractures will heal without surgical intervention - (approximately 2% nonunion rate).
Prevention is the key in the deterrence of phalanx fractures. Proper working conditions and safety is standardized in most work settings that decrease these injuries when working with machinery. Otherwise, trauma is difficult to control; and educating patients about signs and symptoms of phalanx fracture is an important factor for early management.
To minimize tethering to extensor mechanism, use a trocar-tipped K-wire. Ensure passage of the wire through soft tissues before activating wire driver.
Understand the nature and orientation of the fracture when using the buddy taping technique. Fingers used for buddy taping include:
Phalanx fractures that require closed reduction and percutaneous pinning may have the procedure performed in the operating room or procedure room. The cost is significantly less in the procedure room without an increase in complications.[11]
Managing phalanx fractures requires an interprofessional team of healthcare professionals that include nurses, occupational therapy, physical therapy, radiology, orthopedic surgery, and primary care physicians.
Since the majority of phalanx fractures initially present in the emergency department, the ED physician should be aware of the management and when to seek a consult from the orthopedic surgeon.
Care is taken to diagnose phalanx fractures correctly with physical exam and radiography, allowing guiding treatment to operative versus non-operative management. Regardless of the procedure, the patient has a period of immobilization, followed by an early range of motion. All patients with phalanx fractures need to be followed to ensure that healing is occurring; improper healing can affect function and quality of life. Nursing can follow up and assess the progress of treatment and subsequent therapy; reporting concerns to the clinical team. Orthopedic specialty nursing can also assist with patient and family education, as well as monitoring progress and coordinate rehab, reporting status changes to the managing clinician. Early intervention with physical therapy, whether formal or informally, will prevent stiffness and secondary complications of phalanx fractures. Ultimately, this results in better outcomes and care for the patient.[12] As is the case in all injuries, a collaborative interprofessional approach, with each specialty keeping the rest of the healthcare team informed of progress, will result in better outcomes. [Level V]
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