Modification of the Internal Suture Technique for Mallet Finger

Abstract

This article describes a treatment of tendinous mallet finger deformities using a modified internal suture technique for the stable fixation of the terminal extensor tendon and bone.Between March 2011 and July 2013, 15 patients with mallet fingers who had been treated using this modification were included in this study. The patients included 10 men and 5 women with a mean age of 33 years (range, 19–50 years). Of these patients, 9 had chronic mallet fingers, 3 were unable to comply with a splinting regimen, and 3 had a history of unsuccessful splinting therapy. The mean time between the injury and surgery was 5.5 months (range, 1–15 months). We graded the results using Crawford criteria.The mean follow-up period was 12 months (range, 9–16 months). The mean final active range of motion of the distal interphalangeal joint flexion was 73° (range, 60°–90°). Based on Crawford evaluation criteria, 8 patients were graded as excellent, 6 were graded as good, and 1 was graded as fair. Apart from 2 documented mild nail deformities, no complications were encountered.This modified technique should be considered for the management of a tendinous mallet finger deformity when the internal suture technique is planned.