REMODELING OF A DISPLACED PHALANGEAL NECK FRACTURE

Phalangeal neck fractures are uncommon in children. When these injurie s to the proximal and middle phalanges are displaced and not treated o peratively the fracture may heal in a malunited position with loss of motion at the IP joint. Remodelling in the area of the phalangeal neck is thought to be reduced because of its distance from the physis. In cases of malunion osteotomy of the phalangeal neck may be required to restore anatomy and motion. A case is described which demonstrates com plete remodelling of a displaced middle phalangeal neck fracture in a child and recovery of a normal range of motion without operative inter vention.