Effect of Kirschner wire fixation on mallet finger deformity and its influencing factors

Abstract

Objective To investigate the functional recovery of the severe bony mallet finger deformity by using Kirschner wire (K-wire) compression, reduction and fixation, and to determine the influencing factors. Methods Thirty-seven patients with severe bony mallet finger deformity, treated with the K-wire compression, reduction and fixation in our hospital between June 2012 and August 2015, were included as the subjects in the study. All patients underwent the K-wire compression, reduction and fixation. The rehabilitation exercise began at 6 weeks, and the follow-up time was 8 to 12 months. Crawford method was used to assess the finger function recovery, and thereby dividing the patients into the good recovery group (n=30) and poor recovery group (n=7) . Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the influencing factors of finger function recovery in both groups. Results According to Crawford method, the good recovery rate of finger function at 8 months after the surgery in all patients was 81.08%. Univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences in the age, gender, mallet finger position, time to surgery after injury, the ratio with/without intra-articular fractures or soft tissue injuries between the good recovery group and poor recovery group (all P<0.05) . After further logistic analysis, it was shown that the age, mallet finger position, time to surgery after injury, with/without intra-articular fractures or soft tissue injuries were the influencing factors for recovery of the finger function (all P<0.05) . Conclusion The effect of K-wire compression, reduction and fixation on the severe bony mallet finger deformity is good, with simple operation and good recovery of finger function after the surgery. Key words: Mallet finger deformity; Kirschner wire; Fix; Finger function; Influencing factors