Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this report is to review the results of displaced mallet fractures treated with an extension block pin and transarticular fixation of the distal interphalangeal joint. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 23 patients with 24 fractures to determine the results of treatment, time to union, range of motion, and associated complications. Results: The average patient age was 24 years and the average fracture size was 40% of the joint surface. Ten patients were treated acutely (less than 10 days), 10 subacutely (10-30 days), and 3 chronically (greater than 30 days). Average time to fracture union was 35 days. At 1-year or greater follow-up evaluation the average extension loss was 4° and the average flexion was 77°. There were no major complications and there were 5 minor complications. Using the established outcome criteria for mallet injuries, 92% had excellent or good results. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that this surgical technique resulted in rapid fracture union with only minor complications and has excellent functional outcome based on established criteria.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 453-459 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal of Hand Surgery |
Volume | 28 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 2003 |
Keywords
- Distal interphalangeal joint fracture
- Extension block
- Mallet finger
- Mallet fracture
- Surgical treatment
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine