[Dorsal intra-articular end-phalangeal fractures].

In a retrospective clinical study, thirty-six patients with a dorsal intraarticular fracture of the DIP-joint were examined. The fracture can be classified according to the size of the dorsal fragment as a mallet finger or as an intraarticular fracture with the tendency for dislocation. Subcutaneous tendon ruptures with a small dorsal fragment respond well to conservative treatment. Intraarticular fractures should be treated surgically. Anatomical reduction and joint stability are the treatment aims. In 21 patients, tension band wiring was performed, in eight cases percutaneous treatment with the "Hakendraht" was carried out.