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Eaton Classification for Volar Plate Injury

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 Treatment of PIP joint volar plate injury is dependant on the following factors:  

  • size of the fragment (<40% of the articular segment)

  • degree of impaction

  • direction of the dislocation

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Eaton types

  • Eaton type I: hyperextension mechanism of injury with an avulsion of the volar plate and a longitudinal tear of the collateral ligaments; the opposing joint surface remain congruent

  • Eaton type II: dorsal dislocation of the PIP joint with avulsion of the volar plate; there is complete tear of the collateral ligament

  • Eaton type III

    • Eaton type IIIa

      • fracture dislocation with an avulsed small fragment <40% of the articular surface

      • dorsal aspect of the collateral ligament remains attached to the middle phalanx

    • Eaton type IIIb

      • fracture dislocation with fracture or impaction of the articular surface of more than 40%

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