Dental radiographs: A useful technique for problem hand fractures in children

One-inch dental radiographs were compared to standard 8-inch by 12-inch radiographs for imaging unstable phalangeal fractures of the hand. Twelve children were included in the study. The finger fractures underwent a closed reduction and were immobilized by taping the finger to an outrigger. The outrigger was incorporated into a short arm cast. The 1-inch dental radiographic film placed adjacent to the injured finger produced clear images of the fracture and joint surfaces in every case. In comparison, standard radiographs were unclear and often uninterpretable due to the overlapping cast, outrigger, and adjacent digits. We recommend the use of dental radiographs for problem fractures of the hand in children.