Intramedullary Compression Screw Fixation for Middle Phalangeal Fractures

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate short- and medium-term clinical and patient-reported outcomes of intramedullary compression screw fixation for extra-articular middle phalangeal fractures. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on a series of 20 patients (with a total of 23 fractured digits) who underwent fixation of middle phalangeal fractures between January 2020 and March 2023. The results from this cohort were compared against those for plate and K-wire fixation in the literature. RESULTS: Total active motion was 246°; Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score was 4.9; verbal numerical pain score was 1.1 of 10; mean time for return to work was 62.5 days; and a single complication was noted in the entire cohort. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary screw fixation is a viable option in the treatment of extra-articular middle phalangeal fractures. It offers a favorable postoperative range of motion, good duration for return to function, excellent rates of complication, and low pain scores. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.