Conservative and operative treatment of mallet finger.

One-hundred and thirty-five patients with mallet finger were treated and followed up at least 1 year after injury. Ninety-two patients with tendon rupture or chip fracture were treated by splinting, and 42 percent of them had a decreased range of motion, mostly of a minor degree, but only 18 percent stated complaints at the follow-up examination. The results of treatment in 43 patients with fracture were evaluated separately. In this group, 26 patients were operated on and the postoperative results were excellent in 58 percent, improved in 36 percent, and 8 percent ended with failure due to complications. Radiographic study showed bony union in 41 of 43 patients and resorption of the small fragment in 2 patients. The indications for conservative and operative treatment in the five different types of mallet finger are discussed.