ABSTRACT
Fractures involving the hand are the most common of all skeletal injuries,
estimated at 1.5 million per year in the U.S.A. Phalanx fractures are particularly
problematic due to the propensity for stiffness and functional loss. The goals of
phalanx fracture treatment are restoration of anatomy and most importantly the
adjacent articular surfaces if involved. For displaced injuries, a stable reduction
is optimal with the least amount of surgical trauma. Early mobilization of the
hand allows for a more rapid return of function. However, immediate rehabilita-
tion is not essential for a favorable clinical result. This chapter covers the
principles of phalanx fracture treatment, from simple to complex injuries, with
a special emphasis on the indications and techniques of operative intervention.
FRACTURE EVALUATION
