Hyperextension injuries of the PIP finger joint. Comparison of early motion and immobilization. [Hyperextension injuries of the volar fibrocartilage in the proximal interphalangeal joints of the fingers].
In a prospective study of traumatic lesions of the volar fibrocartilage of the PIP joint, 56 patients were randomized to treatment by immobilization for 3 weeks and 56 patients, to purely analgetic treatment without immobilization. Seventy-eight patients were reexamined 6 months later and 77 patients, in a follow-up study 2-3 years after the injury. No difference was found between the two groups with respect to subjective complaints or objective signs. nan
There is insufficient evidence from trials testing the need for, and the extent and duration of, immobilisation to inform on the key conservative management decisions for treating hyperextension injuries of the proximal interphalangeal joints.