Extension Block Technique in Management of Mallet Finger

Abstract

Background: Mallet finger is one of the most frequent fingertip injuries that is made by trauma to the terminal inserting of the extensor digitorum tendons. It frequently happens throughout sport activity, while it could as well happen throughout every day activity. Objectives: This study presented the results of the extension block fixation technique which was described by Ishiguro for the first time. Methods: Prospective randomized study. The study had been carried out in orthopedic Surgery departments in Al-Azhar University (Cairo). This study had been conducted on 30 patients of either sex and age ranging between 20 and 50-yrs old. Results: IIB was the predominant classification in 63.3% of the patients, IIC was found in 26.7%, IB was found in 6.7% and only one patient was IC. The mean operative time was 35.72 ±10.09 min and mean hospital time 1.19 ± 0.349 day. Regarding outcomes, 10 (33.3%) patients were excellent, 16 (53.3%) patients were good, 3 (10%) patients were fair and 1 (3.3%) case was poor. Conclusion: Extension block pinning is a simple and effective treating modality for mallet fractures when performed correctly. It provides excellent functional outcome in acute and sub-acute presentations. It also gives the advantage of treating the fracture as a day care procedure with minimal instruments and no post-operative scars.