Conservative treatment of subcapital phalangeal fracture malunions

Displaced subcapital phalangeal fractures of the middle or proximal phalanges occur primarily in children. The degree and direction of displacement, patient age and time since injury influence treatment decisions and patient outcomes. Delayed presentation with malunion and reduced joint motion is common. This paper presents a case series of displaced subcapital phalangeal fracture early malunions managed conservatively. Near complete remodelling of dorsal angular deformity was seen in all patients. Conservative management of phalangeal subcapital fracture malunions is a viable alternative to the complex procedure of corrective osteotomy.