[Results of the treatment of intra-articular fractures of the fingers with a modified Suzuki traction device].

The results of the treatment of 7 patients, 6 men and 1 woman, aged a mean of 33 years, with intraarticular fractures of the base of the middle fingers. All fractures were displaced, and in 2 patients a palmar sub-luxation of the middle phalanx was seen. The treatment was accomplished with the Suzuki's type traction device in authors' modification. Patients were operated on under brachial plexus block anesthesia and fluoroscopic control. Traction device was placed for 3 weeks, when the rubber bands were cut, leaving the frame on site for additional 1 week, when Kirschnera-wires were retrieved. Six of the 7 patients were followed-up at a mean of 1.5 years after the operation (range 0.5-3 years). A bone union was achieved in all cases, range of motion in proximal interphalangeal joints was a mean of 85 degrees, extension loss of the finger a mean of 12 degrees, total grip strength a mean of 39.4 kG and a pinch-grip a mean of 3.8 kG. These results confirm an efficacy of the traction device in the treatment of intra-articular, dislocated fractures within digits in the hand. An undoubted advantage of Suzuki's type traction devices is their simplicity, cost-effectiveness and availability.