Reoperations and postoperative complications after osteosynthesis of phalangeal fractures: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to describe the reoperation rates and postoperative complications associated with different methods of osteosynthesis in all extra-articular, closed fractures of the proximal and middle phalanges operated on in the Department of Hand Surgery at Södersjukhuset beween 2010–2014, and to describe the associated patient demographics.

Patients and methods: This study included all the relevant operations, which comprised operations on 181 fractures in 159 patients (82 male, 77 female), median and mean age = 43 (range = 14–88 years). The clinical records and radiographs were examined retrospectively. A logistic regression analysis was performed on the reoperation data to determine which method of osteosynthesis was the most important descriptor for reoperation, and whether the fracture type was a significant confounder.

Results: Forty-seven patients (26%) were reoperated on, mainly due to finger stiffness. The reoperation rates were 25% after K-wire, 15% after screws, and 42% after plate fixation. The unadjusted reoperation rate after plate fixation was significantly higher than for the other methods, but not after adjustment for fracture complexity. The proximal phalanx was affected in 88% of the fractures, and 77% were located in the fourth or fifth finger. Falls, animal-related, and sports injuries were the most frequent causes of injuries.

Conclusion: Open reduction with plate fixation was associated with a higher reoperation rate, but this method was also used for the more complex fractures. Plate fixation for phalangeal fractures often entails a need for later tenolysis and plate removal. More aggressive mobilisation regimes might be indicated to prevent adhesion problems.

Keywords:

• Finger
• fracture
• reoperation
• internal fixation
• phalanx

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.