Open reduction and cerclage wire fixation for long oblique/spiral fractures of the proximal phalanx of the fingers

Fifteen cases of long oblique/spiral fractures of the shaft of the proximal phalanx of the fingers treated by open reduction, cerclage wire fixation and immediate postoperative mobilisation were studied prospectively. Twelve patients presented early (within 24 hour of injury) and the remaining three cases were treated initially elsewhere by closed reduction and percutaneous oblique K-wire fixation with failure of the fixation. The latter three patients presented to our clinic late (10-14 days after injury). Following internal fixation with cerclage wires, no cases of infection, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Type 1, fracture re-displacement, wire migration or extrusion were noted. One patient complained of a palpable wire which was removed 4 months after surgery. All fractures united and all patients returned to work at a mean of 8 (range 7-11) weeks after surgery. Twelve patients obtained a full range of motion (total active motion-TAM = 260 degrees ) and the remaining three patients had a mild (5-15 degrees ) flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Cerclage wire fixation is an acceptable technique of fixation for these fractures.