Proposal of a New Dynamic Distraction Device to Treat Complex Periarticular Fractures of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint of Long Finger

Complex periarticular fractures of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) are often challenging to treat. Conservative and operative treatments are often burdened with stiffness, loss of function, and poor clinical outcome. These phenomena could be a direct consequence of long period of immobilization. To promote a short time of immobilization and a quick return to daily activities, it is mandatory to stabilize the fracture maintaining the active range of motion (AROM) of the ray. A simple solution is to reduce the fragments by means of dynamic ligamentotaxis. The authors propose a new dynamic distraction device (DDD) for the MCPJ. METHODS: The DDD for the MCPJ was made of Kirschner wires bent and connected to counteract dislocation forces and to allow mobilization of the joint. The DDD was tested on a cadaver model under a simulated load in physiological conditions, and also in metacarpal and proximal phalanx (P1) fracture patterns. The effectiveness of the device was evaluated under fluoroscopy. RESULTS: The data showed that DDD is able to achieve fracture reduction through ligamentotaxis and primary fragments stability and to avoid secondary dislocation during AROM of complex periarticular fractures of the MCPJ. CONCLUSIONS: The frame could be an alternative option to treat periarticular fractures of the MCPJ. The DDD implant has several advantages: It is time efficient because assembly and application take only few minutes. Furthermore, it is very versatile; indeed, it can be used in all metacarpal and phalanx bones, even in the central rays.