The Conservative Management of Fractures of the Shafts of the Phalanges of the Fingers by Combined Traction-Splintage

Abstract

Recent publications discussing fractures of the shafts of the phalanges of the fingers discount their management by traction because of possible complications and difficulties of application. A technique using splintage combined with isometric skin traction, used for many years in Southampton, has proved effective and free of complications. The results of the treatment of eighteen consecutive appropriate fractures using this technique are discussed.