External Fixation for Surgical Treatment of a Mallet Finger

Abstract

A new surgical technique is described for the treatment of mallet finger deformity which involves the application of a mini external fixator across the distal interphalangeal joint and resection of a portion of the extensor mechanism. We reviewed 19 patients who were treated with this technique, at a mean follow-up period of 36 (range, 24–48) months. The mean extensor lag was 2° (range, −7° to 13°) and the mean flexion range was 70° (range, 20°–90°).