Classic history and presentation: Patients will present with acute pain, swelling, and possible nail bed injury following a direct trauma. The finger may appear grossly angulated or displaced.
Prevalence: Phalanx fractures are the most common injuries to the skeletal system, accounting for 10% of all fractures.
- Age – All ages
- Sex / gender – 2:1 male-to-female ratio
- Osteoporosis
- Fall risk
- Working with heavy machinery
- Participating in sports
Grade / classification system: There is no specific classification system; however, the fractures can be subclassified based on location –
- Tuft fractures involve a comminuted distal phalanx fracture often resulting from a crush injury.
- Shaft fractures involving the phalanx shaft are often described as transverse or longitudinal.
- Base fractures involve either the volar or dorsal base of the distal phalanx.
- Seymour fractures describe an epiphyseal injury in the pediatric population with an associated nail bed injury.