Abstract

VEGA FERNANDEZ, Enrique. Orthesis for the treatment of traumatic hammer finger: experience in Guasdualito jurisdiction (Venezuela). Rev Cubana Ortop Traumatol [online]. 2010, vol.24, n.2, pp. 81-90. ISSN 1561-3100.

INTRODUCTION. The hammer finger is a lack of continuity of extensor mechanism of distal interphalangeal joint (DIJ) and also is a commonest lesions of finger's terminal phalanx. The aim of present paper was to show the preliminary results obtained with a Kirschner's wire Orthesis (designed by A.F. Fernández Abreu), drawed up and placed in Emergency Room to patients with hammer fingers that urgently needed these device. METHODS. Authors made an study in eighteen patients aged between 14 and 56 seen during 10 months in Integral Care Center of Guasdualito jurisdiction in Venezuela. Patients were diagnosed with traumatic hammer fingers using for treatment the Orthesis of Fernández Abreu et al. It was a1mm diameter wire designed in Emergency Room by the traumatologist himself, thus it accelerates the cure process and has a low cost for patient and for institution. The mean immobilization period was of 6 weeks. RESULTS. There was a sex male predominance (12 patients, 66,7%) and the annular finger was the more affected (66,7%). Sports accidents were the more frequent cause (10 patients, 55,6%). According to Bunnel classification, 10 patients had II degree lesions (55,6%) and 8 had III degree lesions (44,4%). Results were good in 14 patients (77,8%), regular and poor in two patients each. Only one patient had articular stiffness at the end of treatment and is under rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS. Our proposal is to generalize the immediate treatment for traumatic hammer finger using this Orthesis because of its low cost and it is very comfortable for patients and is an ideal treatment choice for patients of this jurisdiction.

Keywords : Traumatic hammer finger; Orthesis; finger trauma; extensor mechanism lesion.

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