Dynamic transfixation in unstable dislocation fracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint

Unstable fracture dislocations of the PIP-joint are difficult to manage, because the primary joint destruction and the necessity of immobilisation often result in joint stiffness and the loss of immobilisation may promote chronic subluxation. In the case described in the article we treated the unstable fracture dislocation with a dynamic transfixation with a "force couple splint" following the open reconstruction and internal fixation of the destroyed joint. The application of this dynamic transfixation allowed early active mobility exercising of the PIP-joint during bone healing and produced an excellent result.