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- Fractures of the phalanx are common, and fractures of the proximal phalanx can lead to significant disability if not treated appropriately.
- Be sure to check for malrotation, which is a common problem. Check for this by examing for the normal cascade in finger flexion with the tips of the fingers pointing toward the proximal portion of the scaphoid
- Acceptable Reduction:
- No rotational deformity can be accepted
- No more than 10 deg of angulation should be accepted in any plane
- Malreduction will cause loss of equilibrium between flexor and extensor tendons.
- Place the splint on the dorsum side of the finger so that the patient can still have sensation of the tip of their finger tip.
- Patients requiring prompt referral to a hand surgeon are those with:
- Intraarticular fractures
- Malrotation
- Unacceptable reductions
- Unstable fractures