Hallux fractures, particularly those involving the proximal phalanx, can lead to significant functional impairments if not promptly managed. This report introduces a novel, minimally invasive technique for hallux fracture fixation using hypodermic needles. This technique is specifically designed for resource-limited settings such as disasters or emergencies. A 30-year-old female sustained an open proximal phalanx fracture of the left hallux with interphalangeal joint dislocation following a motor vehicle accident. Under local anesthesia in the emergency service settings, fracture reduction and stabilization were achieved using two hypodermic needles. A 21-gauge needle was inserted intramedullary through the medial aspect of the hallux to stabilize the fracture, while an 18-gauge needle was placed distally to secure alignment. Postoperative radiographs confirmed proper alignment, and the needles were removed after four weeks. The patient achieved pain-free ambulation with a full range of motion within six months, with no complications noted. This technique offers a cost-effective, rapid, and practical alternative to traditional methods, eliminating the need for fluoroscopy or specialized surgical tools. It is particularly valuable in emergency and resource-constrained environments, providing favorable clinical and radiological outcomes. This approach demonstrates significant potential for managing hallux fractures in challenging settings and warrants further validation in broader orthopedic practice.
Afacan et al. (Thu,) studied this question.