Lucerne cast - LuCa: Functional conservative treatment of extra-articular fractures of the proximal phalanges of the fingers (with video)

Most extra-articular fractures of the proximal phalanges (P1) of the triphalangeal fingers can be treated conservatively with good results. Prerequisites for successful fracture treatment are intact soft tissue without any lesions of the extensor hood and stable initial fracture reduction. The key to functional conservative treatment of P1 fractures is to immobilize the metacarpophalangeal joints in flexion, resulting in equilibrium of flexor and extensor forces across the fracture site, which converts these inherently unstable fractures into relatively stable fractures. Precise initial application of the cast and regular follow-up of the patient is essential for successful treatment. By means of an instructional video, an overview of the equipment required is given, and the correct application of a Lucerne Cast is illustrated step-by-step. (C) 2018 SFCM. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.