Pins and rubbers traction system for fractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint.

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the clinical results using the pins and rubbers traction system (PRTS) as described by Suzuki et al. for unstable intra-articular fractures of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint and to assess the efficacy and the indication of the technique of the PRTS.

Methods: Thirty-nine fingers in 39 patients (mean age 46.0 years) with unstable fractures of the PIP joint were treated by the PRTS. The mean interval between injury and surgery was 30.8 days. Active and passive exercise of range of motion of all fingers was started immediately after surgery. Radiographic and clinical results were evaluated at the final examination.

Results: The mean period the PRTS was applied was 6.4 weeks. The mean follow-up period was 8.9 months. Anatomical union was obtained in all patients. No joint instability, no malunion, nor osteomyelitis was observed. At the final examination, the average active range of motion of the PIP joint was 74.6°. The average Visual Analogue Scale for pain and Quick Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score were 1.2 and 3.2, respectively.

Conclusions: The current study demonstrated good results of the PRTS for unstable intra-articular fractures of the PIP joint. Furthermore, satisfactory results were obtained in cases of an incomplete amputation at the PIP joint, a pathological fracture due to bone tumor, and an osteochondral defect due to comminuted fracture of the proximal phalangeal head, where costal osteochondral bone was transplanted. From this study, the PRTS is recommended as a useful treatment because it is widely effective for various unstable fractures of the PIP joint.