Hyun-Joo Lee1, In-Ho Jeon2, Poong-Taek Kim1, Chang-Wug Oh1, Maria Florencia Deslivia1, Suk-Joong Lee1. 1. Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea; Daegu Park Hospital, Daegu, South Korea; University of Ulsan, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea; Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea; Gunsan Medical Center, Gunsan, South Korea. 2. Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea; Daegu Park Hospital, Daegu, South Korea; University of Ulsan, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea; Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea; Gunsan Medical Center, Gunsan, South Korea. Electronic address: jeonchoi@gmail.com.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To determine if transtendinous wiring was an effective late treatment for bony mallet injuries. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2011, 19 consecutive patients (13 men, 6 women) with a mean age of 29 years (range, 13-52 y) were treated late for mallet finger fractures. The mean interval from injury to initial operation was 57 days (range, 28-141 d). RESULTS: Fifteen of 18 mallet fractures demonstrated evidence of radiographic healing after an average of 6 weeks (range, 5-10 wk). One patient developed ankylosis, and 3 patients failed to achieve bone union at the final follow-up. The mean motion of the distal interphalangeal joint was 73° (range, 35°-95°), and the mean extension lag was 7° (range, 0°-25°). CONCLUSIONS: Transtendinous wiring was an effective late treatment for mallet fractures, demonstrating satisfactory fixation, allowing early mobilization, and showing good functional results while avoiding salvage operations. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.
PURPOSE: To determine if transtendinous wiring was an effective late treatment for bony mallet injuries. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2011, 19 consecutive patients (13 men, 6 women) with a mean age of 29 years (range, 13-52 y) were treated late for mallet finger fractures. The mean interval from injury to initial operation was 57 days (range, 28-141 d). RESULTS: Fifteen of 18 mallet fractures demonstrated evidence of radiographic healing after an average of 6 weeks (range, 5-10 wk). One patient developed ankylosis, and 3 patients failed to achieve bone union at the final follow-up. The mean motion of the distal interphalangeal joint was 73° (range, 35°-95°), and the mean extension lag was 7° (range, 0°-25°). CONCLUSIONS: Transtendinous wiring was an effective late treatment for mallet fractures, demonstrating satisfactory fixation, allowing early mobilization, and showing good functional results while avoiding salvage operations. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.