Biplab Chatterjee1 , Divyanshu Kumar
BACKGROUND Injuries to the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) of the fingers are common. They occur most often following an axial impact on an extended finger. There are different modalities of treatment for such fractures like extension block splinting, the Allison’s device, the Hynes and Giddings device, ORIF with interfragmentary screw and many others. We have chosen Suzuki frame for treatment of such fractures proposed by Suzuki et al in 1994. METHODS We reviewed our 25 consecutive cases of PIPJ fractures treated with Suzuki frame. Clinical and radiological evaluation was done at 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks. Total active motion of the PIPJ, radiography and complications if any were noted. RESULTS Of 25 cases, radiological union was achieved in 23 cases. Remaining 2 were lost to follow up. Good to excellent result was achieved in 91% cases. None of the patients suffered any sort of infection and were discharged on a single antibiotic (co-amoxiclav). Even the pain score was zero in 21 cases which accounts for 91%. So this procedure gives good results in term of pain and functionality both. CONCLUSIONS Suzuki frame for PIPJ fractures is simple, safe, soft tissue sparing, minimally invasive technique giving excellent functional and cosmetic results with minimal complications.
