Treatment of dorsal fracture-dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint using the Ligamentotaxor® device: clinical and radiographic preliminary results

Background and aim of the work:Fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint are complex injuries, often difficult to treat. Several treatment options have been described. Among them dy-namic external fixation proved to be a safe technique leading to good results in many authors experience. The principles of this treatment are to avoid edema, prevent stiffness and tendon adhesions, promote joint remod-elling and facilitate rehabilitation. The Ligamentotaxor® device is a simple and reproducible dynamic external fixation system that has been used in recent years to treat proximal interphalangeal joint fracture-dislocations, with favourable results. The aim of the present study is to evaluate our preliminary results with the Ligamen-totaxor® device for treatment of these complex lesions. Methods:Four patients between December 2015 and January 2017 were treated at our institution with the Ligamentotaxor® device. Clinical and radiographic results were evaluated at mean 6 months follow-up. Results: Clinical results were meanly good and appeared to be comparable to most recent literature. Mean range of motion was 60,5°, mean extension lag 18,5°. Mean QuickDASH and Michigan Hand Questionnaire scored 21.6 and 72 respectively. Radiographic evaluation showed fracture healing in all cases. No relevant complications were noted. Conclusion:The Ligamentotaxor® device is simple to implant, provides good stability and allows an immediate gentle active movement. Accord-ing to present work the preliminary results are encouraging. (www.actabiomedica.it)