Traitement des fractures articulaires interphalangiennes proximales des doigts par distraction dynamique et rééducation précoce : résultats préliminaires d'une série prospective de 15 cas

Introduction. - The authors present early results of the treatment of interphalangeal fractures with external dynamic distractor and early reeducation. Patients and methods. - Fifteen proximal interphalangeal fractures were treated with a « do-it-yourself » external distracter. Distraction was performed with rubber band or steel stitches. Patients sustained immediate self-mobilization and physiotherapy. Total duration of the treatment was 45 days. Results. - Thirteen patients had good results with normal mobility after three months and recovered 80% of their controlateral force. Algodystrophia occurred in one case with poor functional results. One late management led to severe interphalangeal rigidity. Conclusion. - External distraction is a safe and economical treatment providing good early results with few complications. Long-term follow-up is necessary to make this procedure a standard-of-care in the management of proximal interphalangeal fractures.