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Background: Extensor tendon adhesions occurring after proximal phalangeal (P1) fractures are not uncommon. A previous report described the use of an adipofascial flap (AFF) to prevent adhesions after dorsal plating of the P1. The purpose of the study is to examine the results of open reduction and internal fixation with the use of an AFF (F group) and without (N group, that is, no flap used) in a larger group of patients., Methods: A retrospective study involving a period of 11 years was conducted involving results of 21 unstable fractures of the P1 of the fingers in 18 patients. In all, 12 fingers were treated without any flap (N group) and 9 fingers were treated with the AFF (F group). For each patient, the total active motion (TAM) ratio, and the grip strength (Jamar) ratio were assessed, and adverse effects and the 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS) score were recorded. For statistical analysis, sample characteristics were described using mean ± standard deviation and median, and a Bayesian approach was used for inferential analysis., Results: In the F group, the TAM ratio (84% ± 13% vs 65% ± 17%) was higher with a lower rate of adverse effects (OR: 0.067, 95% CI, 0.0035-0.58,) and a lower VAS score with evidence of the positive effect of the AFF. The Jamar ratio was similar in the 2 groups (F group 80% ± 25% vs N group 79% ± 19%) with no associated effect of the AFF on grip strength., Conclusions: The AFF is a reliable tool to reduce adhesions between plates and the extensor apparatus of the P1 and may be useful to improve finger function after plating of P1 fractures., Type of Study/loe: Therapeutic, Retrospective, Level IV.

Background: Tendon adhesions and capsular contractures following trauma to the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) may significantly reduce hand function. Traditional, staged surgical management prioritizes restoration of PIPJ passive range of motion with joint release prior to restoration of active range of motion (AROM) with tenolysis. This is expensive and burdensome for patients. Our objective was to evaluate functional outcomes of combined PIPJ release and zone II flexor tenolysis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent combined PIPJ release and flexor tenolysis. Replantation and tendon graft cases were excluded. Data were collected on pre- and postoperative AROM, total active motion (TAM), tip to distal palmar crease (DPC) distance, and grip strength. Functional outcomes were graded using the Boyes, American Society for Surgery of the Hand, and modified Strickland scores. Results: Twelve patients (9 men and 3 women, median age = 40 years) with a total of 15 digits underwent combined PIPJ release and flexor tenolysis a median of 10.1 months after injury. At a median follow-up of 4.0 months, there were significant improvements in median PIPJ AROM (15° to 70°), TAM (105° to 223°), tip to DPC distance (6.0 to 2.0 cm), and grip strength (35% to 54% of unaffected hand). Modified Strickland score was good in 46% of digits and excellent in 38%. There were no tendon ruptures, surgical site infections, or devascularized digits. Conclusion: Proximal interphalangeal joint stiffness is a challenging complication of hand trauma. Although a complete return to premorbid range of motion and function is rarely attained with surgery, improved outcomes may be consistently achieved with secondary combined PIPJ release and zone II flexor tenolysis.