RESULTS OF RAY RESECTION AND AMPUTATION FOR RING AVULSION INJURIES AT THE PROXIMAL INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT

We investigated the long-term functional results of ray resection (14 cases) and amputation (nine cases) for ring avulsion injuries of ring finger which could not be replanted or underwent failed replantation. The mean follow-up was 37 (range, 24–63) months in the ray resection group and 32 (range, 24–40) months in the amputation group. Grip strength, key pinch strength, chuck pinch strength, hand circumference and palmar volume were decreased in the ray resection group but only grip strength and pulp pinch strength were significantly decreased in the amputation group. These results suggest that ray resection should be avoided in patients with occupations that need strong key and chuck pinch functions