1. The average time for bony healing of complete phalangeal fractures of all types, as shown roentgenographically, is approximately five months.
2. Clinical healing requires about one-fourth of the time required for roentgenographic healing.
3. The fracture lines are usually more distinct at the end of thirty days than at the time of the injury.
4. Single or multiple chip fragments in the tips of the distal phalanges practically always reunite and give a normal-appearing contour to the distal phalanx.
5. No callus is seen in a chip fragment at the tip of the distal phalanx and there is more callus formation in the proximal phalanges.
6. In none of these cases has there been absorption of any of the loose fragments.
7. It cannot be assumed that there is a lack of bony union until at least one year's time has elapsed.