External immobilization of index finger collateral ligament injuries using an improvised frame
Article Category: Technical report
Published Online: Jan 31, 2017
Page range: 409 - 413
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5372/1905-7415.0903.411
Keywords
© 2015 Nattawut Sastravaha, Yutthana Khanasuk, Worasun Taweewuthisub
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.
Background
Proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) dislocation is a common injury. Current management of instability after closed reduction is repair of the torn ligament followed by immobilization. Important sequels after prolonged immobilization include stiffness. On the other hand, early motion exercise may cause rerupture. Buddy taping has been used to partially stabilize the injured finger which also allows early gentle motion. However, this technique cannot be applied to collateral ligament injury of a border finger such as the radial collateral ligament of the index or ulnar collateral ligament of the little finger.
Objectives
To describe functional outcomes after application of a frame improvised from a standard disposable syringe in cases of index radial collateral ligament injury.
Methods
We constructed adjustable, customized, mobile frames improvised from standard disposable syringe barrels for stabilizing collateral ligaments of the PIPJ to improve motion and protect the repaired ligament. Two patients with radial collateral ligament injury of the index finger were treated with the improvised frame for 4 weeks after an initial 3-week immobilization with Kirschner wire and a static splint.
Results
The average range of motion of PIPJ after treatment was 0-105 with good radioulnar stability. The lifetime of the improvised frame is approximately 8 days, but it can be replaced easily and inexpensively in most medical facilities.
Conclusions
We introduce an improvised frame, which we call a “Sriracha frame”, as a novel, inexpensive, easy to produce, and effective device that yields good, early joint motion and stability.