Conservative Therapy of Proximal Phalanx Fractures - Comparing the Lucerne Cast With Finger Splinting (LuCa)

Conservative Therapy of Proximal Phalanx Fractures - Comparing the Lucerne Cast With Finger Splinting

Conservative Therapy of Proximal Phalanx Fractures - a Prospective Randomized Study Comparing the Lucerne Cast With Finger Splinting

The purpose of this prospective randomized controlled clinical trial is to evaluate if the lucerne cast leads to a better functional outcome than a forearm cast with a finger splint in patients with a proximal phalanx fracture.

This study represents a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial comparing two different conservative treatment options in patients with proximal phalanx fractures. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria will be enrolled in the present study provided they give their consent. Informed written consent will be obtained. Randomization will be performed according to the CONSORT Guidelines of Prospective Randomized Trials using the software "Randomizer" by the Medical University of Graz. Patients allocated to the control group will receive a forearm cast with a finger splint, while patients in the study group will receive the lucerne cast. Both groups will receive the allocated cast for 4 weeks. Clinical outcome will be assessed 12 weeks after trauma.

Patients receiving reduction of fractured finger and subsequent customization of a lucerne cast. Duration of cast treatment is determined with 4 weeks.

Patients receiving reduction of fractured finger and subsequent customization of a forearm cast with a finger splint. Duration of cast treatment is determined with 4 weeks.

patient-based standardised questionnaire (12 items, range 0-100, 100=ideal function, 0=poorest function)

Occurrence of indication for surgery (malrotation, axial deviation >10°, dorsal angulation >20°) after primary reposition

x-ray based outcome of fracture healing in terms of length deviation and dislocation (measured in mm)

patient-based standardised questionnaire (11 items, range 0-100, 100=ideal function, 0=poorest function)

patient-based standardised questionnaire (12 items, range 0-100, 100=ideal function, 0=poorest function)

Inclusion Criteria: Proximal phalanx fracture in the fingers (II - V) Patient age between 18 and 70 years Exclusion Criteria: Condylar fracture Avulsions of the collateral ligament Pathologic fracture Intraarticular fracture Patients unable to consent Polytraumatized patients Patients initially presenting more than 7 days after injury Pregnancy Compound fractures Multiple hand injuries