Treatment of mallet fractures using compression fixation pins.

Fifteen patients who underwent percutaneous fixation of mallet fractures of the distal phalanx using compression fixation pins were assessed. Anatomical reduction was achieved in all patients. There were no nonunions. The mean active range of motion of the distal interphalangeal joint was 1 degrees of hyperextension to 69 degrees of flexion. The fixation was stable enough to allow early active motion exercise of the distal interphalangeal joint. This technique results in a good range of motion in a shorter period of time than other treatments.