Proximal phalanx fracture

Last revised by Daniel J Bell ◉ on 3 Apr 2023

Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data

Citation:

O'Graphy T, Bell D, Rasuli B, et al. Proximal phalanx fracture. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 24 Mar 2025) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-41774

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-41774

Permalink:

https://radiopaedia.org/articles/41774?embed_domain=external.radpair.com%25252527%2525255b0%2525255d

rID:

41774

Article created:

19 Dec 2015, Tom O'Graphy

Disclosures:

At the time the article was created Tom O'Graphy had no recorded disclosures.

View Tom O'Graphy's current disclosures

Last revised:

3 Apr 2023, Daniel J Bell ◉

Disclosures:

At the time the article was last revised Daniel J Bell had no financial relationships to ineligible companies to disclose.

View Daniel J Bell's current disclosures

Revisions:

20 times, by 12 contributors - see full revision history and disclosures

Systems:

Musculoskeletal, Trauma

Tags:

phalanx, phalange, refs, upper extremity fracture

Synonyms:

Proximal phalangeal fractures

Proximal phalanx fractures can be epiphyseal or shaft fractures and can be intra-articular or extra-articular. They are most often the result of forced rotation, hyperextension or direct trauma ².

Treatment can be conservative in the case of a non-displaced fracture, but the method of immobilisation may vary between orthopaedic surgeons. Some use a splint in a palmar or dorsal position, fixating the wrist, MCP joint, and the entire finger, also immobilising the adjacent finger. Others use a cast that fixates the wrist, metacarpophalangeal joint and proximal phalanx but allows movement of the interphalangeal joints.

Surgery is required in the case of an open fracture, when there is significant displacement, or instability after reduction. Surgical fixation involves Kirschner wires or very small screws.