Conservative management of chronic mallet finger.

Ten cases of chronic mallet fingers that were 4 to 18 weeks old were treated conservatively by immobilization of the distal interphalangeal joint in extension for 8 continuous weeks and for 2 more weeks at night. With a stringent rating system, there were five excellent, four good, and one fair end result. Two patients had recurrence of the deformity within a week after treatment, and both fully recovered after 8 weeks of further splinting. Splinting is a predictable, safe, and simple method of treatment for chronic mallet fingers.