OBJECTIVETo explore therapeutic effects of minor external fixator for open comminuted phalangeal fractures with non-transarticular.

METHODSFrom January 2013 to December 2014,13 patients with open comminuted phalangeal fractures were treated by minor external fixator with non-transarticular, including 9 males and 4 females aged from 18 to 56 years old with an average of 35 years old. According to Gustilo classification, 8 cases were type II, and 5 cases were type III. The time from injury to operation ranged from 2 to 7 h averaged 5 h. Seven patients were diagnosed as phalangeal fracture, 6 patients were involved with joint surface of phalangeal, which 1 case combined with inherent nerve damage and 1 case combined with soft tissue defect repaired at stage II. The patients were fixed by plaster for 2 weeks and removal external fixtor from 6 to 8 weeks after operation and received functional exercise.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up from 3 to 12 months with an average of 7 months. One case occurred metacarpophalangeal joints stiffness. No screw breakage, inflammation occurred. Skin soft tissue recovered well and obtained bone healing, the average time of bone healing was (4.6 ± 1.0) weeks. According to TAM scoring system used by Hand Surery Association of Chinese Medical Association, 7 cases got excellent results, 4 good, 1 moderate and 1 poor.

CONCLUSIONMinor external fixator for open comminuted phalangeal fractures with non-transarticular has advantages of simple operation, good stability, and could adjust at the later stage, less damage for soft tissue periosteum, low inflammatory rate, earlier functional exercise. It is worth to be popularized and applied.