Internal suture for mallet finger fracture.

An internal suture technique has been used for mallet finger fractures involving at least 30% of the articular surface. It provides fixation without a button or transfixion of the fragment. An independent retrospective review was conducted of ten patients at a mean follow-up of 17 months. Mean visual analogue score (0 to 10) for pain was 2.4 and satisfaction 7.9. Mean active range of motion was 13 to 49 degrees, passive motion was 2 to 56 degrees, pinch strength of effected finger to thumb was 3.8 kgf (81% of the opposite finger), grip strength 37.9 kgf (95% of the opposite hand). All fractures united and there were no neuromas. Complications included two nail deformities, a superficial infection and a pin track infection. One patient with a crush injury continued to have pain despite an arthrodesis.