[Treatment of chronic mallet finger with tendon flap graft. Report of 16 cases].

A series of 16 cases of chronic mallet finger deformity repaired with tendon flap from palmaris longus tendon or lateral band of extensor tendons is reported. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 4 years, the deformity has been corrected and pain disappeared in all cases. The active extention of DIP joints are 0 degrees in 12 cases and 5 degrees-15 degrees hyperextention in 4 cases. The active flexion of DIP joints are normal (65 degrees-80 degrees) in 11 cases, has 5 degrees-15 degrees flexion lag in 5 cases. The PIP and MP are normal in all cases. The anatomic basis of this procedure is narrated. The restoration of the anatomic continuity of the terminal extensor tendon reestablishes the coordinative effect between the long extensor tendon, intrinsic lateral band and oblique retinacular ligament and thus brings good long term result.