Closed Reduction and Percutaneous K-Wires Versus Open Reduction and Interosseous Loop Wires for Displaced Unstable Transverse Fractures of the Shaft of the Proximal Phalanx of the Fingers in Industrial Workers

Abstract

Seventy-eight male industrial workers with displaced unstable transverse fractures of the shaft of the proximal phalanx of the fingers were divided into two groups: Group 1 ( n = 40 men, mean age = 34 years, range = 22–46 years) was treated with closed reduction and percutaneous K-wires, and Group 2 ( n = 38 men, mean age = 33 years, range = 20–48 years) was treated with open reduction and interosseous loop wire fixation. At final follow-up, the total active motion (TAM) score of the injured finger was graded as excellent, good, fair or poor if it was greater than 240°, 220°, 180° or less than 180°, respectively. Group 2 had significantly better overall TAM scores than Group 1 ( P = 0.03). The complication rate was higher in Group 1 than Group 2 (28% versus 11%) but the difference did not reach statistical significance ( P = 0.084). The results were compared with those reported by other authors and other techniques of fixation of these fractures.