Authors of section

Authors

Fiesky Nuñez, Renato Fricker, Matej Kastelec, Terry Axelrod

Executive Editor

Chris Colton

Proximal, multifragmentary

Classification of avulsion fractures of the volar plate

Avulsion fractures of the volar plate are very common injuries. The Eaton classification is useful and practical, as follows:

Eaton type I (hyperextension)
These are hyperextension injuries, with a simple avulsion of the volar plate and a longitudinal split in the collateral ligaments.

Eaton type II (dorsal dislocation)
Complete dorsal dislocation of the PIP joint and avulsion of the volar plate.

Eaton type III (fracture dislocation)
A fracture dislocation with an avulsion fracture

Often, in addition to hyperextension, axial pressure applied to the fingertip, causes longitudinal compression forces on the middle phalanx towards the proximal phalanx; this can lead to an additional impaction fracture.

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