In treating hand fractures, we have to make a proper decision about conservative treatment versus surgical intervention and decide on individual surgical methods. This article reviews recent publications, technical advances, and outcome measures in treating metacarpal fractures, phalangeal fractures, complex fractures of the proximal interphalangeal joints, bony mallet fingers, and fractures of the thumb. My personal preferences and considerations are presented. At the end, the current challenges that hand surgeons are facing in treating frequent phalangeal and metacarpal fractures are discussed.
Abou ElattaMMAssalFBasheerHMEl MorshidyAFElglaindSMAbdallaMA. The use of dynamic external fixation in the treatment of dorsal fracture subluxations and pilon fractures of finger proximal interphalangeal joints. J Hand Surg Eur. 2017, 42: 182–7.
2.
AladinADavisTR. Dorsal fracture-dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint: a comparative study of percutaneous wire fixation versus open reduction and internal fixation. J Hand Surg Am. 2005, 30: 120–8.
3.
AtakerYUludagSEceSCGudemezE. Early active motion after rigid internal fixation of unstable extra-articular fractures of the proximal phalanx. J Hand Surg Eur. 2017, 42: 803–9.
4.
BadiaARianoFRavikoffJKhouriRGonzalez-HernandezEOrbayJL. Dynamic intradigital external fixation for proximal interphalangeal joint fracture dislocations. J Hand Surg Am. 2005, 30: 154–60.
5.
BoeckstynsMEH. Questions about the treatment of the fractures around the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint. J Hand Surg Eur. 2020, 45: 653–4.
6.
BurnierMAwadaTMarin BraunFRostoucherPNinouMErhardL. Treatment of unstable proximal interphalangeal joint fractures with hemi-hamate osteochondral autografts. J Hand Surg Eur. 2017, 42: 188–93.
7.
ChenK-JWangJ-PYinC-YHuangH-KChangM-CHuangY-C. Fixation of fifth metacarpal neck fractures: a comparison of medial locking plates with intramedullary K-wires. J Hand Surg Eur. 2020, 45: 567–73.
8.
CrawfordGP. The molded polythene splint for mallet finger deformities. J Hand Surg Am. 1984, 9: 231–7.
9.
CobbWADingleLZarb AdamiRRodriguesJ. Management of fracture-dislocations of the little finger carpometacarpal joint: a systematic review. J Hand Surg Eur. 2018, 43: 530–8.
10.
DacombePJAmirfeyzRDavisT. Patient-reported outcome measures for hand and wrist trauma: is there sufficient evidence of reliability, validity, and responsiveness?. Hand. 2016, 11: 11–21.
11.
DamronTAEngberWD. Surgical treatment of mallet finger fractures by tension band technique. Clin Orthop Rel Res. 1994, 300: 133–40.
12.
Darder-PratsAFernandez-GarciaEFernandez-GabardaRDarder-GarciaA. Treatment of mallet finger fractures by the extension-block K-wire technique. J Hand Surg Am. 1998, 23: 802–5.
13.
DinowitzMTrumbleTHanelDVedderNBGilbertM. Failure of cast immobilization for thumb ulnar collateral ligament avulsion fractures. J Hand Surg Am. 1997, 22: 1057–63.
14.
EdwardsGAGiddinsGE. Management of Bennett's fractures: a review of treatment outcomes. J Hand Surg Eur. 2017, 42: 201–3.
15.
EllisSJChengRProkopisP, et al.Treatment of proximal interphalangeal dorsal fracture-dislocation injuries with dynamic external fixation: a pins and rubber band system. J Hand Surg Am. 2007, 32: 1242–50.
FinsenV. Suzuki's pins and rubber traction for fractures of the base of the middle phalanx. J Plast Surg Hand Surg. 2010, 44: 209–13.
18.
FritzDLutzMAroraRGablMWambacherMPechlanerS. Delayed single Kirschner wire compression technique for mallet fracture. J Hand Surg Am. 2005, 30: 180–4.
19.
FruehFSCalcagniMLindenblattN. The hemi-hamate autograft arthroplasty in proximal interphalangeal joint reconstruction: a systematic review. J Hand Surg Eur. 2015, 40: 24–32.
20.
GiddinsGE. The non-operative management of hand fractures. J Hand Surg Eur. 2015, 40: 33–41.
21.
GiddinsGE. Bony mallet finger injuries: assessment of stability with extension stress testing. J Hand Surg Eur. 2016, 41: 696–700.
22.
GregorySLalondeDHFung LeungLT. Minimally invasive finger fracture management: wide-awake closed reduction, K-wire fixation, and early protected movement. Hand Clin. 2014, 30: 7–15.
23.
GülkeJLeopoldBGrozingerDDrewsBPaschkeSWachterNJ. Postoperative treatment of metacarpal fractures-classical physical therapy compared with a home exercise program. J Hand Ther. 2018, 31: 20–8.
24.
HofmeisterEPMazurekMTShinAYBishopAT. Extension block pinning for large mallet fractures. J Hand Surg Am. 2003, 28: 453–9.
25.
HyattBTRheePC. Wide-awake surgical management of hand fractures: technical pearls and advanced rehabilitation. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019, 143: 800–10.
26.
HynesMCGiddinsGE. Dynamic external fixation for pilon fractures of the interphalangeal joints. J Hand Surg Am. 2001, 26: 122–4.
27.
IkedaMKobayashiYSaitoIIshiiTShimizuAOkaY. Open reduction and internal fixation for dorsal fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint using a miniplate. Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg. 2011, 15: 219–24.
28.
JardinEPechinCReyPBUhringJObertL. Functional treatment of metacarpal diaphyseal fractures by buddy taping: a prospective single-center study. Hand Surg Rehabil. 2016, 35: 34–9.
29.
KatayamaTFurutaKOnoHOmokawaS. Clinical outcomes of unstable metacarpal and phalangeal fractures treated with a locking plate system: a prospective study. J Hand Surg Eur. 2020, 45: 582–7.
30.
KhanAGiddinsG. The outcome of conservative treatment of spiral metacarpal fractures and the role of the deep transverse metacarpal ligaments in stabilizing these injuries. J Hand Surg Eur. 2015, 40: 59–62.
31.
KimJKKimDJ. The risk factors associated with subluxation of the distal interphalangeal joint in mallet fracture. J Hand Surg Eur. 2015, 40: 63–7.
32.
KodamaASunagawaTNakashimaY, et al.Joint distraction and early mobilization using a new dynamic external finger fixator for the treatment of fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint. J Orthop Sci. 2018, 23: 959–66.
33.
KuzJEHusbandJBTokarNMcPhersonSA. Outcome of avulsion fractures of the ulnar base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb treated nonsurgically. J Hand Surg Am. 1999, 24: 275–82.
34.
LabèrRJannDBehmPFergusonSJFruehFSCalcagniM. Intramedullary screw fixation for metacarpal shaft fractures: a biomechanical human cadaver study. J Hand Surg. 2020, 45: 595–600.
35.
LiodakiEXingSGMailaenderPStangF. Management of difficult intra-articular fractures or fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint. J Hand Surg Eur. 2015, 40: 16–23.
36.
LoCHNothdurftSHParkHSPaulELeongJ. Distraction ligamentotaxis for complex proximal interphalangeal joint fracture dislocations: a clinical study and the modified pins rubber band traction system revisited. Burns Trauma. 2018, 6: 23.
37.
LowCKWongHCLowYPWongHP. A cadaver study of the effects of dorsal angulation and shortening of the metacarpal shaft on the extension and flexion force ratios of the index and little fingers. J Hand Surg Am. 1995, 20: 609–13.
38.
MacFarlaneRJGillespieSCashinFMahmoodACheungGBrownDJ. Treatment of fracture subluxations of the proximal interphalangeal joint using a ligamentotaxis device: a multidisciplinary approach. J Hand Surg Eur. 2015, 40: 825–31.
39.
MarksM. Which patient-reported outcomes shall we use in hand surgery?. J Hand Surg Eur. 2020, 45: 5–11.
40.
MarksMSchoonesJWKollingCHerrenDBGoldhahnJVliet VlielandTP. Outcome measures and their measurement properties for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis: a systematic literature review. J Hand Surg Eur. 2013, 38: 822–38.
41.
MiaoDYYangGJZhangLZWuJW. [Case control study on therapeutic effects of dynamic external fixtor combined with limited internal fixation and cross K-wires fixation for the treatment of pilon fractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint]. Zhongguo Gu Shang. 2015, 28: 920–3.
42.
MillerLAdaLCrosbieJWajonA. Pattern of recovery after open reduction and internal fixation of proximal phalangeal fractures in the finger: a prospective longitudinal study. J Hand Surg Eur. 2017, 42: 137–43.
43.
MillerLCrosbieJWajonAAdaL. No difference between two types of exercise after proximal phalangeal fracture fixation: a randomised trial. J Physiother. 2016, 62: 12–9.
44.
Monreal R. Dynamic external fixation for unstable fracture-dislocations and pilon fractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Orthop Rheumatol Open Access. 2016, DOI: 10.19080/OROAJ.2016.02.555598.
45.
MoradiABraunYOflazogluKMeijsTRingDChenN. Factors associated with subluxation in mallet fracture. J Hand Surg Eur. 2017, 42: 176–81.
46.
Najd MazharFJafariDTarazHMirzaeiA. Treatment of dorsal fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint using the shotgun approach. J Hand Surg Eur. 2018, 43: 499–505.
47.
NewingtonDPDavisTRBartonNJ. The treatment of dorsal fracture-dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint by closed reduction and Kirschner wire fixation: a 16-year follow up. J Hand Surg Am. 2001, 26: 537–40.
48.
O'BrienLJSimmATLohIWGriffithsKM. Swing traction versus no-traction for complex intra-articular proximal inter-phalangeal fractures. J Hand Ther. 2014, 27: 309–15.
49.
PageSMSternPJ. Complications and range of motion following plate fixation of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures. J Hand Surg Am. 1998, 23: 827–32.
50.
Salazar BoteroSHidalgo DiazJJBenaidaACollonSFaccaSLiverneauxPA. Review of acute traumatic closed mallet finger injuries in adults. Arch Plast Surg. 2016, 43: 134–44.
51.
ShewringDJTrickettRWSmithA. Fractures at the junction of diaphysis and metaphysis of the proximal phalanges in adults. J Hand Surg Eur. 2018, 43: 506–12.
52.
SiddiquiFHossainSHuqN. Nail hooks and elastic bands external dynamic traction for fractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg. 2012, 16: 148–52.
53.
SoreneEDGoodwinDR. Non-operative treatment of displaced avulsion fractures of the ulnar base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb. Scand J Plast Reconstr Hand Surg. 2003, 37: 225–7.
54.
SuzukiYMatsunagaTSatoSYokoiT. The pins and rubbers traction system for treatment of comminuted intraarticular fractures and fracture-dislocations in the hand. J Hand Surg Am. 1994, 19: 98–107.
55.
TakamiHTakahashiSAndoM. Operative treatment of mallet finger due to intra-articular fracture of the distal phalanx. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2000, 120: 9–13.
56.
TangJBBlazarPEGiddinsGLalondeDMartinezCSolomonsM. Overview of indications, preferred methods and technical tips for hand fractures from around the world. J Hand Surg Eur. 2015, 40: 88–97.
57.
TetikCGudemezE. Modification of the extension block Kirschner wire technique for mallet fractures. Clin Orthop Rel Res. 2002, 404: 284–90.
58.
ThillemannJKThillemannTMKristensenPKFoldager-JensenADMunkB. Splinting versus extension-block pinning for bony mallet fingers: a randomised clinical trial. J Hand Surg Eur. 2020, 45: 574–81.
59.
VadstrupLSJorringSBerntPBoeckstynsME. Base fractures of the fifth proximal phalanx can be treated conservatively with buddy taping and immediate mobilisation. Dan Med J. 2014, 61: A4882.
60.
van AakenJFusettiCLuchinaS, et al.Fifth metacarpal neck fractures treated with soft wrap/buddy taping compared to reduction and casting: results of a prospective, multicenter, randomized trial. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2016, 136: 135–42.
61.
WangHZZhaoJYZhangZS. A novel dynamic distraction external fixator for proximal interphalangeal joint fracture dislocation. J Int Med Res. 2019, 47: 1628–35.
62.
WarrenRANorrisSHFergusonDG. Mallet finger: a trial of two splints. J Hand Surg Am. 1988, 13: 151–3.
63.
WilliamsRMKiefhaberTRSommerkampTGSternPJ. Treatment of unstable dorsal proximal interphalangeal fracture/dislocations using a hemi-hamate autograft. J Hand Surg Am. 2003, 28: 856–65.
64.
XingSGMaoT. Purposeful waiting after injection of anaesthetics with epinephrine is mostly unnecessary for wide-awake surgery. J Hand Surg Eur. 2019a, 44: 990–1.
65.
XingSGMaoT. Surgical excision of enchondromas and osteochondromas in the hand under local anaesthesia without tourniquet. J Hand Surg Eur. 2019b, 44: 745–7.
66.
XingSGMaoT. Temporary tourniquet use after epinephrine injection to expedite wide awake emergency hand surgeries. J Hand Surg Eur. 2018, 43: 888–9.
67.
XingSGChenLHChenC. The use of a tablet computer for young children undergoing wide awake surgical procedures in the hand. J Hand Surg Eur. 2019, 44: 1106–7.
68.
Yum Man W, Trickett R. Metacarpal neck fractures. In: Giddins G, Leblebicioglu G (Eds.) Evidence based data in hand surgery and therapy. Iris publications, 2017: 253–65.
69.
ZhuL. The feasibility and patient comfort for excision of enchondromas of the hand under local anaesthesia and without a tourniquet. J Hand Surg Eur. 2019, 44: 991–2.
