Proximal phalanx fracture treated with extension block Splint: An observational study at a tertiary care centre

Abstract

Proximal phalangeal fractures are common fractures of the hand. The fracture are difficult to treat because of vicinity of 2 important joints and presence of tight osseofascious tunnel. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of extension block splint in the management of selective proximal phalangeal fracture of hand. 21 Patients with proximal phalangeal fractures were treated by extension block splint and evaluated prospectively. Patient were followed up after 1 week, 3 weeks, and thereafter on monthly basis. Average follow up period was 9.8 months and outcomes were assessed by Belsky’s criteria. In our study, 76.19% patients had excellent outcomes, 19.04% had good, 4.76% had poor outcomes. 2 patients had extensor lag which subsided at further follow up at 1 year. The results of this prospective study shows that with careful selection of patients extension block splint is a simple, safe and effective technique for managing proximal phalanx fracture of hand.