Long-term outcomes after extension block pinning for fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint

The long-term outcomes of extension block pinning used to treat unstable dorsal fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint have been investigated in a single centre. Thirty-one patients (33 fingers) had a clinical and radiological assessment at a mean follow-up of 16 years. Excluding one joint salvaged with an arthrodesis, the mean active range of motion of the joints was 80° with a mean 5° extension deficit. The mean active range of motion of the distal interphalangeal joint was 64°. The mean Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation score was 6, indicating, minimal disability. The mean numeric rating scale for overall subjective pain on a scale of 0–10 was 1 and was not associated with the active range of movement. The Kallman osteoarthritis score and the range of movement of the proximal interphalangeal joint had a negative association. The long-term outcomes were satisfactory and similar to the mid-term follow-up results of the same patient cohort reported 11 years earlier.