Transtendinous wiring of mallet finger fractures presenting late.

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.