REMODELLING OF A DISPLACED PHALANGEAL NECK FRACTURE

Phalangeal neck fractures are uncommon in children. When these injuries to the proximal and middle phalanges are displaced and not treated operatively the fracture may heal in a maluuited position with loss of motion at the IP joint. Remodelling in the area of the phalangeal neck is thought to be reduced because of its distance from the physis. In cases of maluuiou osteotomy of the phalaugeal neck may be required to restore anatomy and motion. A case is described which demonstrates complete remodelling of a displaced middle phalangeal neck fracture in a child and recovery of a normal range of motion without operative intervention. Journal of Hand Suvgevy (British and European Volume, 1994) 19B: 5: 594-596 Phalangeal neck fractures account for approximately 1 % of children’s hand fractures. These injuries occur in the proximal and middle phalanges, with the former location being more common (Jobe, 1993). The transverse fracture through the phalangeal neck is characterized by volar angulation at the fracture site and dorsal displacement of the distal condylar fragment