Sprains and Fractures Involving the Interphalangeal Joints

Injuries of the interphalangeal joints are of small size but may be of great importance. The history should be taken with care and all painful, swollen joints caused by injury should be tested for instability and should be radiographed. Stable injuries with fractures showing little displacement should be treated by protected activity. Unstable injuries and widely separated fractures should be operated on. Provided that the necessary facilities and a suitable experienced surgeon are available these operations can often be carried out in an out-patient operating room, using digital block analgesia.