Mallet finger deformities treated by buried purse-string suture.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of buried purse-string suture in the treatment of mallet finger deformities.

METHODS

From February 2009 to February 2010, 12 patients with closed non-fracture mallet fingers were treated by buried purse-string suture. The rupture tendons were sutured by purse-string suture with an atraumatic needle, and the knots were buried under subcutaneous tissue. External fixator was used at the extension position of the finger every night within three weeks after operation.

RESULTS

All patients were followed up for 6-12 months, mean 7 months. According to the Patel's evaluation criteria, 2 cases (17%) obtained excellent results, 7 good (58%), 2 fair (17%) and 1 poor (8%). The overall rate of the cases with excellent and good outcomes was 75%.

CONCLUSION

Buried purse-string suture is an easy and effective way to treat mallet finger deformities, with no serious postoperative complications or no need for reoperation.