A simple effective splinting technique for the mallet finger.

We describe an inexpensive, simple, and effective technique for the closed treatment of mallet fingers. This technique splints the mallet finger in 0 degrees of extension. It is simple, readily reproducible, and easy to use, requiring materials that are readily available to any physician. Thirty-seven patients, ages 21 to 65 years, presented with a closed mallet finger injury at day zero to 5 months after injury. Ten of these patients had a fracture. All were treated with this splinting technique. We report excellent results in 35 of 37 patients, who recovered either complete or near-complete active extension. Our results compare favorably with results from other techniques and splints.