Dorsal fracture dislocations of the PIP are common but difficult fractures to treat. PIP Fix® uses the biomechanical advantages of the Force Couple Splint bent K-wire technique combined with our “turn key” application/system. PIP Fix is Indicated for the treatment of unstable dorsal fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the fingers in which external fixation as provided by the PIP Fix alone is sufficient to obtain and maintain concentric reduction of the fracture dislocation during bone and soft tissue healing.
For the PIP Fix to obtain and maintain joint realignment, 50% or more of the dorsal base of the middle phalanx, from the radial to ulnar sides, must be intact.
AP, lateral and both oblique x-rays are necessary pre-op, and during PIP Fix installation and adjustment, to confirm an adequate portion of the intact dorsal base of the middle phalanx can be concentrically realigned with the condyles of the head of the proximal phalanx.
X-ray translucence of the guide makes it easy to see where the bone pins are being placed. Adjustment knobs for both pins make precise placement easier. In addition, it ensures that the bone pins are inserted perpendicular to each other.
The device’s reduction force should create normal alignment of the intact dorsal base of the middle phalanx on the head of the proximal phalanx. Maintenance of this alignment requires capsular ligaments that are competent to assure joint alignment and prevent palmar subluxation of the middle phalanx on the head of the proximal phalanx.
If length restoration is needed, the Angle Lock Screw may be loosened and the device rotated to provide a variable and customizable ratio of palmar translation to length restoration forces.
NOTE: The definition of an optimal result depends on the geometry of both the bone and soft tissue injury that accompanies each of these difficult fractures. Please study the anatomic and technical issues carefully before deciding to use the PIP Fix.
The PIP Fix sterile kit contains:
Surgeons
Indicated for the treatment of unstable dorsal fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the fingers in which external skeletal fixation as provided by the PIP Fix alone is sufficient to obtain and maintain concentric reduction of the fracture dislocation during bone and soft tissue healing. If manual reduction of the joint is not possible, the surgeon must use his or her best judgement to determine the optimal Transverse Pin location based on the relevant alignment of the soft tissues with the skeletal bones.
It is very important that elastic bands be installed at all times because they provide the translating force that keeps the middle phalanx reduced. To avoid any breakage of the bands due to age, it is recommended that they be changed every day. The patient should keep some of the bands with them at all times. Wear the same color band on each side. Add a new band of a new color to each side, then snip off the old bands using a small pair of scissors or nail clipper.
Yes. Follow your doctor’s advice about when it is okay to get the pins wet, but the device will not be damaged by soap or water. Use of petroleum based ointments can degrade the latex elastic bands. It is best to not get these ointments on the bands or the pin cap pulleys.
Yes. You should have received an information pamphlet from your doctor or therapist that shows how to change the bands and suggestions for hand exercises. If you did not receive the Patient Information for the PIP Fix, click here to download it.
THERAPISTS
Indicated for the treatment of unstable dorsal fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the fingers in which external skeletal fixation as provided by the PIP Fix alone is sufficient to obtain and maintain concentric reduction of the fracture dislocation during bone and soft tissue healing. If manual reduction of the joint is not possible, the surgeon must use his or her best judgement to determine the optimal Transverse Pin location based on the relevant alignment of the soft tissues with the skeletal bones.
It is very important that elastic bands be installed at all times because they provide the translating force that keeps the middle phalanx reduced. To avoid any breakage of the bands due to age, it is recommended that they be changed every day. The patient should keep some of the bands with them at all times. Wear the same color band on each side. Add a new band of a new color to each side, then snip off the old bands using a small pair of scissors or nail clipper.
Yes. Follow your doctor’s advice about when it is okay to get the pins wet, but the device will not be damaged by soap or water. Use of petroleum based ointments can degrade the latex elastic bands. It is best to not get these ointments on the bands or the pin cap pulleys.
Yes. You should have received an information pamphlet from your doctor or therapist that shows how to change the bands and suggestions for hand exercises. If you did not receive the Patient Information for the PIP Fix, click here to download it.
The PIP Fix should be worn until the fracture and the soft tissues are healed. This typically is a minimum of six to eight weeks.
Patients
Indicated for the treatment of unstable dorsal fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the fingers in which external skeletal fixation as provided by the PIP Fix alone is sufficient to obtain and maintain concentric reduction of the fracture dislocation during bone and soft tissue healing. If manual reduction of the joint is not possible, the surgeon must use his or her best judgement to determine the optimal Transverse Pin location based on the relevant alignment of the soft tissues with the skeletal bones.
It is very important that elastic bands be installed at all times because they provide the translating force that keeps the middle phalanx reduced. To avoid any breakage of the bands due to age, it is recommended that they be changed every day. The patient should keep some of the bands with them at all times. Wear the same color band on each side. Add a new band of a new color to each side, then snip off the old bands using a small pair of scissors or nail clipper.
Yes. Follow your doctor’s advice about when it is okay to get the pins wet, but the device will not be damaged by soap or water. Use of petroleum based ointments can degrade the latex elastic bands. It is best to not get these ointments on the bands or the pin cap pulleys.
Yes. You should have received an information pamphlet from your doctor or therapist that shows how to change the bands and suggestions for hand exercises. If you did not receive the Patient Information for the PIP Fix, click here to download it.
The PIP Fix should be worn until the fracture and the soft tissues are healed. This typically is a minimum of six to eight weeks.
BUYERS
Care must be taken to bill each patient correctly. Click here for downloadable billing guidelines.
Instructional Video
© Hand Biomechanics Lab, Inc.