Chronic Flexion Contracture of Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Treated with the Compass Hinge External Fixator. A Consecutive Series of 27 Cases

Twenty-seven chronic flexion contractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint were treated with the Compass® hinge external fixator without open surgery. The fixator was removed after a mean of 33 (range, 14–68) days. The mean time from injury to operation was 4 (range, 1–19) years and all patients were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 21 (range, 12–50) months. The mean extension gain was 38° (range, 0–70°), and the mean flexion–extension arc improved by 42° (range, 0–80°). Complications included superficial pin-track infection in 11 cases and pin loosening in four cases.