Background: Phalangeal fractures are the most common fractures of the hand & are difficult to treat.They may result in long lasting deformity irrespective of mode of management. Surgical management and internal fixation devices results in adhesions of soft tissues, hindering tendon gliding and resulting in stiffness & reduction in range of movements. On the other hand conservative management using customised splints may not be able to hold the fractured fragment in proper alignment resulting in delayed union or malunion in addition to time taken for making and availability of these splints. Thus the need of a technique which is non invasive, easily available, cost effective and which holds the fractured fragment in proper alignment resulting in achieving excellent functional outcome. Materials and methods: All acute patients of closed displaced proximal or middle phalangeal fractures were included (n=30).Patients were evaluated clinicoradiologically for confirmation of fractures and rotational or scissoring deformity. They were applied splintage & traction with aluminium hanger and rubber band followed by check x-ray for reduction of fracture. After 3 weeks of application, the hanger and rubber band were removed followed by radiological evaluation and initiation of physiotherapy. All patients were evaluated at 6 months for TAM scoring. Results: Total 30 patients were included in the study. 18 were proximal phalangeal fractures and 12 were middle phalangeal fractures which were managed by this technique. All patients post procedure had acceptable alignment confirmed radiologically. 02 patients developed superficial cuticular necrosis at the volar aspect of head of metacarpal of involved finger after one week which was managed conservatively and in subsequent patients additional padding was applied to prevent this complication. All patients at end of 6 months achieved satisfactory finger movement with Total active motion grading ranging from 240-270 degrees. Conclusion: The technique used for the management is a simple OPD procedure and easy to learn. Aluminium hanger and rubber bands are easily available and are inexpensive. This non invasive modality prevents the tendon adhesions and offers good functional outcome in phalangeal fractures.
