Abstract
We have reported ten cases of epiphyseal plate injury to the distal phalanx of the hand.
The majority of cases involved injuries sustained while playing ball with the middle and ring fingers being primarily effected. As per Tanabe's classification, most injuries were of the Flexion-Fracture, Salter-Harris' type 1, grade 1.
In this injury, since the flexor digitorum profundus tendon flexes the metaphysic into which it is inserted, while the extensor tendon, being inserted into the epiphysis, maintains the epiphysis in the extended position, they tend to become unstable. We selected conservative treatment to avoid damage to the epiphyseal plate, and kept the DIP joint a cotinuous reduction position with a coil splint. Active exercise resumed after three or four weeks, with no pain, no deformity and a normal range of motion being reported in all cases. We have taken these as favorable results.
