Presentations

Abstract

Introduction: Phalangeal fractures are common hand fractures in pediatric populations, but some fracture patterns are more uncommon than others. Seymour fractures, specifically, are very rare, and the official incidence has never been reported. Seymour fractures involve displacements of the distal phalanx with an associated nailbed injury. These fractures lack unique ICD or CPT codes and are often described elsewhere within a patient's chart. However, Seymour fractures are sometimes not explicitly mentioned when diagnosing finger fractures and may often be underdiagnosed. We are conducting a descriptive study to analyze the incidence of pediatric Seymour fractures, the treatment modalities, and the rates of complications associated with these injuries within the Hampton Roads area.

Methods: We will be conducting a retrospective chart review of all patients who were diagnosed with and treated for a finger fracture from 1/1/2015 to 12/12/2023. Due to the lack of specific ICD or CPT coding, we will review all imaging associated with finger fractures to determine the presence of a Seymour fracture. This approach will allow us to confirm Seymour fractures, maintain the validity of our data, and examine the rate at which Seymour fractures are present but not specifically diagnosed.

Results: At the time of abstract submission, we are in the early stages of data collection. Some key variables we plan to record include demographic information, treatment type, time to first antibiotic dose, time to presentation, follow-up treatments, length of follow up, operative reports, and duration of treatment. These variables will be analyzed for occurrence rates and possible predictors of complications arising from Seymour fractures, such as rate of infection, malunion post-fracture, physeal arrest, mallet finger deformity, nail deformity, acute and chronic osteomyelitis, mobility impairment, and extensive pain.

Conclusion: Our initial approach is a descriptive study. Depending on the quality and quantity of data collected, we plan to conduct appropriate statistical analyses. This single-center, retrospective chart review will help understand the incidence of Seymour fractures within our pediatric patient population, determine their characteristics, outcomes, and complication rates, and analyze treatment methodologies.