distal phalanx transphyseal fracture

WebThe distal phalanx and proximal phalanx connect via the interphalangeal (IP) joint, which allows you to bend the tip of your thumb. Kuhn MA, Ross G. Acute elbow dislocations. The fracture extends to the central groove of the trochlea, medially to the lateral crista. Vascular injury may be a severe complication of supracondylar fractures, usually occurring with significant posterior displacement of the distal fragment, with the brachial artery injured by the sharp distal end of the proximal fracture fragment. This joint sits between the proximal phalanx and a bone in the hand called the first metacarpal. 34 (4):300-6. Rabiner JE, Khine H, Avner JR, Friedman LM, Tsung JW. In particular, the internal oblique view has been shown to be better than the AP view for showing the presence of lateral condyle fracture, the degree of displacement, and findings suggesting instability. The first metacarpal is connected to the wrist by the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, which sits between the metacarpal and a carpal bone called the trapezium. The incidence of distraction fractures is particularly high in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta, including patients with relatively normal-appearing bones and few fractures elsewhere (see the image below). Anteroposterior (A) and lateral (B) views show combined fractures of the distal humeral lateral condyle and olecranon process of the ulna. In particular, if undergoing an outpatient procedure rather than ER procedure, the patient may need to take additional time off for a preoperative clinic visit and for the surgery. 39(2):155-61, v. [QxMD MEDLINE Link]. Transphyseal fractures of the distal humerus typically occur in children younger than 3 years secondary to birth trauma, nonaccidental trauma, or a fall from a small Rather, only deformity is observed, as demonstrated by the anterior humeral line. Simplistically, a Monteggia fracture/dislocation may be thought of as the result of a force that dislocates the radial head and simultaneously fractures the ulna in the same direction. For those injuries that include a small portion of the metaphysis, care must be taken to distinguish medial epicondyle fracture (usually an extraarticular injury) from medial condyle fracture, which extends to the articular surface. 2012 Feb. 20(2):69-77. Our proposed technique would not deviate from that standard protocol. In some patients, impaction of the epiphysis on the medial aspect of the metaphysis may cause growth plate injury, leading to subsequent varus deformity (see the image below). Silverman FN. After spontaneous reduction, prior elbow dislocation may be suggested by the identification of the fractures described above. Elbow dislocations are usually readily apparent on radiographs. Anteroposterior (A) and lateral (B) views. They found that the total cost of supplies and nonphysician labor was $432.31 per OR case and $179.59 per procedure room. In these cases, only the radial head is still in alignment with the capitellum. This finding is indicative of a nondisplaced fracture. The needle was manually rotated to advance it through the fracture and across the DIP joint into the middle phalanx. A variety of 18- and 20-G short hypodermic needles are available in all practice settings. Radiography must be performed following splint application to confirm congruity of the fracture fragment with the distal phalanx in the joint space.3 Studies show no difference in outcomes among splint types as long as DIP extension is maintained.1315. The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Between these grooves is the lateral crista of the trochlea, which provides lateral stability to the trochleoulnar joint. FOIA MRI is useful in identifying medial epicondyle fractures prior to ossification of the medial epicondyle and for delineating the full extent of the cartilaginous fracture in children with a small medial epicondyle ossification center. [48]. A radial fracture with apex anterior angulation is present. Alternatively, it may result from excessive muscular activity, often in association with throwing. Fractures of the lateral condyle are the second most common elbow fracture in children, accounting for 15-20%. However, the displacement may also be lateral, as shown in the image below. Medial epicondyle avulsion fracture in an 11-year-old girl with an avulsion of part of the left medial epicondyle (A). Follow-up anteroposterior (C) and lateral (D) views demonstrate the fracture better. Fractures of the proximal ulna are uncommon in children, accounting for 6% of elbow fractures. According to Rabiner et al, ultrasonography is highly sensitive for elbow fractures, and a negative ultrasound may reduce the need for radiographs in children with elbow injuries. Typical supracondylar fracture. However, unlike supracondylar fractures, lateral condyle fractures are seldom associated with fractures remote from the elbow. The dashed radiocapitellar line is drawn through the radial neck and should pass through the capitellum. Garon MT, Massey P, Chen A, et al. The presence of a metaphyseal flake fracture is not specific because some medial epicondyle avulsions extend into the metaphysis as a Salter-Harris type II fracture. The stability of the distal fragment is partly determined by whether the fracture extends all the way to the articular surface or whether a cartilaginous hinge remains intact to help prevent motion of the fracture fragment. Displacement of the radial head may be marked, usually with the head displaced distally, and its articular surface may be rotated into the coronal plane posteriorly. Anteroposterior view shows an obvious lateral condyle fracture with lateral displacement of the fragment, rotation, and downward displacement caused by muscular traction. Is Bone Mineral Density Testing Underused in Prostate Cancer Care? [QxMD MEDLINE Link]. In transphyseal fracture, the distal humeral epiphysis and forearm bones are usually displaced medially, whereas in true elbow dislocations, the radius and ulna are dislocated either laterally and posteriorly (in children >2 y) or primarily posteriorly (in children < 2 y). The needle can be placed parallel to the digit to estimate the necessary length before insertion. In cases in which it is clinically indicated, cubitus varus may be corrected by valgus osteotomy. Trochlear deformity occurring after distal humeral fractures: magnetic resonance imaging and its natural progression. Anteroposterior views of the injured left elbow (A) compared with the uninjured right elbow (B). Mallet fractures (mallet finger) occur at the insertion of the terminal finger extensor mechanism into the dorsal portion of the distal phalanx. [20, 27, 1]. In children, the ligaments are generally stronger than the bone; therefore, avulsion fractures occur more frequently than ligamentous injury. Treatment following simple reduction is also similar to that following PIP dislocation. Middle finger distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint fracture dislocation following reduction of DIP joint, spanning 20-G needle, and soft tissue repair. With complete fractures, the fracture line and displacement are obvious. [22]. AJR. However, such an injury may be suggested by localized tenderness and soft tissue swelling and by the presence of a posterolateral elbow dislocation. [QxMD MEDLINE Link]. T1-weighted MRi showx lack of osseous union. Percutaneous pinning of distal phalanx fractures in the ED using an 18- or 20-G hypodermic needle is an effective treatment with minimal early complications. Treatment is generally straightforward, with excellent outcomes. 179. 1. A pulled elbowis a distraction injury. The smooth end of the ulna is the metaphysis ending at the physial fracture. Complications of elbow dislocation in children include associated fractures, neurologic injury (usually involving the ulnar nerve or the anterior interosseous branch of the median nerve), joint contracture, and heterotopic ossification in the regions of the disrupted medial or lateral collateral ligaments. A fluoroscopic image of the selected needle next to the distal phalanx before insertion can help to confirm the appropriate needle choice. All Rights Reserved. Olecranon fracture. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of the injury is crucial for a successful outcome. The most common follow-up fractures were olecranon (N=23, 72%), coronoid process (N=4, 13%), and supracondylar (N=3, 9%). These are often avulsion injuries, which occur during an extreme force to the joint that causes the ligament to rip away from its attachment, taking a piece of bone with it. When the cast is removed, your doctor may recommend hand therapy to restore movement to your hand. Although not directly analogous, this is one example of the cost disparities associated with performing a procedure in the ER versus OR. The technique is cost and time effective when treating patients with this type of injury. A staging system for displacement of lateral condyle fractures is as follows If the fracture extends into the joint, it is called an intra-articular fracture; if it does not, it is called an extra-articular fracture. 23 (3):318-26. 2016. For patient information resources, see eMedicineHealth's First Aid and Injuries Center, as well as Broken Elbow and Elbow Dislocation. The bones of the thumb have several important ligaments at each joint that both allow for motion of the joint and keep the joint stable so it does not dislocate: Several other tendons/muscles allow the thumb to move in virtually all directions. 1998. [Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning with three Kirschner wires in children with type III displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus]. Medial epicondyle fractures are 3 times more common in boys than girls and tend to occur in older children more often than supracondylar or lateral condyle fractures, with a peak age of 11-12 years, although younger children may also be affected. The double density caused by such overlap may simulate a flake of bone, with lucency of the physis simulating an adjacent fracture line. If the bones remain in a stable position with good alignment, thumb fractures generally heal well. WebA broken finger is a common bone break. In addition to a transverse or oblique component through the supracondylar region, the distinguishing aspect of T-condylar fracture is a sagittally oriented component that extends to the articular surface, splitting the medial and lateral condyles. Radiocapitellar alignment remains normal. Wolters Kluwer Health Although it is important to differentiate medial condyle fractures from medial epicondyle fractures, the distinction is not always easy to make with radiographs. Unstable distal phalanx fractures are typically treated by pinning of the distal phalanx or the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP). Finger dislocations should be reduced as quickly as possible and concurrent soft tissue injuries treated appropriately. [QxMD MEDLINE Link]. 198:214-219.e2. J Bone Joint Surg Am. Complications include unstable fixation, K-wire migration, septic arthritis and osteoarthritis. your express consent. (D) Postoperative anteroposterior radiograph shows improved alignment and healing. Front Pediatr. While previously supracondylar fractures were more frequent in boy than in girls, this discrepancy has diminished. In the lateral projection, the fracture is often transverse, but may be oblique, extending proximally from anterior to posterior. At the time the article was created Tom O'Graphy had no recorded disclosures. [QxMD MEDLINE Link]. Like the metacarpal, the distal and proximal phalanges can fracture near/into a joint or in the shaft of the bone. (A) Anteroposterior view. Fracture is at the tip of the ossified portion of the olecranon process. Reduction may be unsuccessful because of soft tissue injury or fracture. J Pediatr Orthop. 2013 Jan. 61(1):9-17. Medial epicondyle fracture with distal displacement of a fracture fragment. (A) On the anteroposterior view, the fracture is seen as a longitudinal lucent line through the medial aspect of the proximal ulna. The fracture extends through the metaphysis and into the epiphysis, typically arising just above the medial epicondyle and extending to the trochlear groove, as shown in the image below. In this patient, the uninjured right elbow has a Baumann angle of 12, and the previously injured left elbow has a Baumann angle of only 2, suggesting 10 of varus deformity of the left distal humerus. Lateral view in a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta who has had bilateral recurrent fractures in the same region. Okamoto Y, Maehara K, Kanahori T, Hiyama T, Kawamura T, Minami M. Incidence of elbow injuries in adolescent baseball players: screening by a low field magnetic resonance imaging system specialized for small joints. These injuries resemble Salter-Harris type I, III, and II fractures, respectively, though the Salter-Harris classification is usually applied to injuries of the epiphyses rather than those of the apophyses. Closed fractures are generally stable, especially when they do not involve the articular surface. History Mystery: Did Subdural Hematoma Kill Thomas Aquinas? She was started on a home exercise program at that time. Referral for surgical management of mallet fractures has been suggested for those involving greater than 30 percent of the intra-articular surface and for those associated with volar subluxation of the distal phalanx.16,17 Nevertheless, a study of 22 mallet fractures involving greater than 30 percent of the joint space reported that patients with volar subluxation and displaced fragments after splinting had no difference in pain and function than those without these features.18 Conservative therapy for all mallet fractures is preferable as first-line treatment and may have outcomes similar to those of surgical treatment.19,20 Consultation with a hand surgeon is recommended if the physician is uncomfortable with the management of more complicated mallet fractures. The technique is cost and time efficient with minimal early complications. John J Grayhack, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic SurgeonsDisclosure: Nothing to disclose. However, these injuries have marked medial soft tissue swelling compared with the lateral soft tissue findings with lateral condyle fracture. [QxMD MEDLINE Link]. (2017) RadioGraphics. If the thumb fracture involves a joint, there is an increased tendency to develop arthritis in the long term even if the fracture is treated perfectly. Acta Orthop Belg. You may need surgery to treat the thumb fracture, depending on the location of the break, the alignment of the broken bone, and the amount of movement between the fragments. Ultrasound evaluation of the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow: Which method is most reproducible?. Check for errors and try again. These cases include greenstick and plastic bowing fractures. A "pop quiz" of casting, knee arthrocentesis, and pressure checks for compartment syndrome. Injury to soft tissue can also lead to hyperesthesia, cold sensitivity, and nail abnormalities.4 Fixation with previously described techniques, most frequently CRPP with k-wires, involves overutilization of hospital resources by requiring the procedure be done in an operative room. In children younger than 5 years, the annular ligament is relatively loose, allowing the radial head to be pulled through it when acute traction is suddenly placed on a pronated forearm (which is the usual position of the forearm when a child is being pulled along by an adult). Milch II lateral condyle fracture with elbow dislocation, frontal (A) and lateral (B) views. 50:95. Transphyseal Distal Humeral Fractures: A 13-Times-Greater Risk of Non-Accidental Trauma Compared with Supracondylar Humeral Fractures in Children Less Than 3 Years of Age Prognostic Level III. [18]. 2016 Jan. 46 (1):61-6. The decision to remove the pin at this time point was based on the absence of tenderness at the fracture site and stable appearance on x-rays. Like the other long bones in the hands, each distal phalanx is separated into a head, body or shaft, and a base [3]. The risk of a thumb fracture can be lessened by using protective taping, padding, or other equipment. 17.1 ). On the frontal view, supracondylar fractures typically extend transversely through the metaphysis across the region of the olecranon fossa. WebAbstract. However, this can be challenging for the surgeons schedule, patients schedule, and can also place unnecessary financial burden on the health care system. Management of vascular injuries in displaced supracondylar humerus fractures without arteriography. T-condylar fractures are uncommon in pediatric patients, particularly prior to skeletal maturity, although they may be misdiagnosed as other elbow injuries with clinical presentation often similar to supracondylar fracture and radiographs that may be confused with supracondylar, lateral condyle, or medial condyle fractures. Understanding the developmental anatomy of the pediatric elbow helps ensure that normal ossification centers are not misinterpreted as fracture fragments. Bouton D, Ho CA, Abzug J, Brighton B, Ritzman TF. Fredric A Hoffer, MD, FSIR Affiliate Professor of Radiology, University of Washington School of Medicine; Member, Quality Assurance Review Center In some cases, widening of the physis and displacement of the medial epicondyle may be quite subtle, and comparison views of the contralateral elbow may be useful. [20, 21], In 166 pediatric patients (median age, 7 yr) with supracondylar fractures referred for nerve injury consultation, the most commonly affected nerves were the ulnar (43.4%), median (36.7%), and radial (19.9%). Highlight selected keywords in the article text. Note the comminuted fracture of the distal phalanx of the fourth toe Fig.2. Using the Medial and Lateral Humeral Lines as an Adjunct to Intraoperative Elbow Arthrography to Guide Intraoperative Reduction and Fixation of Distal Humerus Physeal Separations Reduces the Incidence of Postoperative Cubitus Varus. A major complication of a radial neck fracture is limitation of motion at the proximal radioulnar joint, which mostly limits supination. The physician will examine the injury, take a medical history, and order X-rays of the injury. Because of the risk of tendon retraction and the need for surgical treatment, patients with flexor digitorum profundus avulsion fractures should be referred to a hand specialist. Despite its frequency, there is no clear consensus on the proper treatment of mallet fractures. Richard M Shore, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Roentgen Ray Society, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, International Skeletal Society, Society for Pediatric Radiology, Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular ImagingDisclosure: Nothing to disclose. Accessibility Compare these images with the lateral view of the contralateral elbow (C), which shows the anterior humeral line passing normally through the middle third of the capitellum. Web26785 Open treatment of distal phalangeal fracture, finger or thumb, with or without internal or external fixation, each Depth of Plunge CPT Description 23515 Open treatment of clavicular fracture, with or without internal or external fixation 23615 Open treatment of proximal humeral (surgical or anatomical neck) fracture, with or [28] See the images below. Anteroposterior (A) and lateral (B) views of the injured right elbow compared with anteroposterior (C) and lateral (D) views of the uninjured left elbow. The site is secure. Most common fracture of the hand. Kim HT, Song MB, Conjares JN, Yoo CI. Apparent anterior dislocation of the proximal radius, as seen on the lateral view, is actually a proximal radial fracture with anterior displacement of the neck and shaft relative to the poorly visualized radial head that still articulates normally with the capitellum. In most cases, patients with transphyseal fractures have a good prognosis, although correct diagnosis may be problematic. Okumura Y, Maldonado N, Lennon K, McCarty B, Underwood P, Nelson M. Point-of-Care Ultrasound: Sonographic Posterior Fat Pad Sign: ACase Report and Brief Literature Review. Note associated proximal radial metaphyseal fracture. However, in most patients, the injury is caused by a fall onto a pronated forearm, which forces the arm into hyperpronation. Unlike supracondylar fractures, vascular and neurologic complications are extremely rare with lateral condyle fractures. [QxMD MEDLINE Link]. (2016) Clinical orthopaedics and related research. Lateral condyle fracture with instability. Although the Baumann angle does not define the true carrying angle of the elbow, it uses radiographically identifiable landmarks and is useful in comparison with the contralateral elbow. The medial epicondyle usually develops as a single center. Valgus may also result from malunion, and varus deformity may be caused by malunion or stimulation of growth of the lateral condylar physis. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy. In this patient, the only sign of the fracture is the thin metaphyseal flake on the anteroposterior view. With type C fractures, the fracture line remains is as wide medially as laterally. Salter-Harris fracturesare a group childhood injuries where a fracture involves the physis. The normal apophysis may have separate ossifications centers near its tip. Flynn JC, Richards JF Jr, Saltzman RI. Some fractures may be caused indirectly, from twisting or even from strong muscle contractions, as might occur in wrestling, hockey, football, and skiing. Dislocations of the DIP joint are often associated with trauma and may have associated fractures and soft tissue injury.7 A simple dorsal DIP dislocation should be evaluated with radiography to assess for fracture. [3] Clinical feature of these lesions are variable, the glomus tumor present changes in pain severity depending on temperature. The mean annual incidence was 0.8 per 105. Phys Sportsmed. Anteroposterior (A) and lateral (B) views of the injured left elbow with anteroposterior (C) and lateral (D) views of the right elbow for comparison. J Child Orthop. Kirschner wire pin site infection in hand and wrist fractures: incidence rate and risk factors. Fractures and dislocations involving the distal phalanx are frequently treated with immobilization, however particular injury patterns warrant additional stabilization. The PIP joint is the most commonly dislocated finger joint.5 Injuries to the MCP joint often occur in the thumbs.6 Dislocations of DIP joints are commonly traumatic and often complicated by fracture and soft tissue injury.7. 41 (7):1453-1461. Unfortunately, access to procedure rooms and appropriate surgical instrumentation may not be possible at all health care facilities. Common signs of injury are local swelling, erythema, pain, deformity, and tenderness to palpation. Techniques in Orthopaedics36(4):514-516, December 2021. Recognizing that the forearm is not aligned with the humerus on plain radiography can aid in the diagnosis of the injury. Transphyseal fractures of the distal humerus typically occur in children younger than 3 years secondary to birth trauma, nonaccidental trauma, or a fall from a small height. 2012 Jun;26(6):657-60. On the lateral view, cortical disruption is usually seen posteriorly rather than anteriorly as in supracondylar fractures. Lateral condyle fracture. Since Milch II lateral condyle fractures separate the lateral crista of the trochlea (lateral trochlear ridge) from the rest of the trochlea, there may be accompanying elbow dislocation through loss of lateral support for the olecranon process (see the image below). (A) Anteroposterior view shows a varus deformity of the distal humerus from a prior supracondylar fracture that has fully healed. Oman Med J. This is particularly helpful in the distal tibia when the plain film can under-estimate the complexity and severity of a distal tibial injury.