Seymour fracture is an eponym for a
Salter-Harris I/II fracture of the distal phalanx of the finger or
toe in children, associated with a nailbed inury
These
may present and subtle as a subungal hematoma with a fracture on
x-ray but carry a significant risk of complications
While
in adults a hammer-finger deformity indicates an avulsion injury of
the extensor tendon, in children it can indicate disruption of the
growth plate. This is coupled with disruption of the proximal nail
bed.
Because these fractures affect the growth
plate, they can lead to arrest of the growth plate or chronic
osteomyelitis
These
injuries require orthopedic consultation for possible debridement
and fixation
Summarized by Will
Dewispelaere, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD
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