Pigtail coil modification of distal tips of Suzuki pins and rubbers system.

Suzuki et al described the pins and rubbers capsuloligamentotaxis traction system for the treatment of comminuted intraarticular fractures and fracture-dislocations involving the proximal interphalangeal joint, the distal interphalangeal joint, and trapezium. Majumder et al later detailed the lessons learned from their management of patients with complex intraarticular fractures of the base of the middle phalanges of the fingers. The researchers found that the most common patient complaint was that the protruding ends of the device caught on clothing. However, the researchers did not suggest how to resolve this problem. We describe a modification of the distal tips of the Suzuki pins and rubbers axial traction pin, from the S- (or double-opposing U-) shaped morphology of the hook, to a pigtail coil: We propose that this modification has a number of advantages, being simpler, more secure, more adjustable, and safer.