Presentation
Crushed finger during athletic activity.
Patient Data
Age: 10-15Y
Gender: Male
From the case:
Phalangeal tuft fracture
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Predominantly longitudinal second digit phalangeal tuft fracture with likely extension into the DIP joint space. There is an oblique component to the fracture as well. Soft tissue swelling around the distal phalanx.
Case Discussion
Distal phalanx fractures and phalangeal tuft fractures constitute almost 50% of all hand fractures 1.
Dense fibrous connections in the distal digit around the phalangeal tuft mean that most phalangeal tuft fractures are stable and amenable to closed treatment. Many are managed non-operatively with splinting, but very comminuted fractures may require K-wire stabilization 2.