The treatment of Doyle types II and III mallet finger with the encircling fixation of a transplanted palmaris longus tendon

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the clinical effect of the encircling fixation of a transplanted palmaris longus tendon in the treatment of Doyle types II and III mallet finger. MethodsThere were 115 cases of mallet finger deformity with Zone 1 extensor tendon rupture and defect. After debridement by first intention, the tendon bundles of the palmaris longus tendon were used to pass through the subcutaneous tunnel on the volar side of the base of distal phalanx, forming an encircling binding, crossing on the dorsal side. The tail of the tendon was then overlapped with the proximal extensor tendon and sutured. The finger extension position was fixed with plaster for four weeks. If the skin defect could not be closed directly, depending on the size of the skin defect, either a local turndown flap or a pedicled flap was used to cover the wound. ResultsThe patients were followed up for 3–12 months after the operation. According to Total Active Motion criteria, the clinical effect was excellent in 89 cases, good in 16 cases, acceptable in 7 cases, poor in 2 cases and inferior in 1 case. Conclusion: The treatment of Doyle types II and type III mallet finger with the encircling fixation of a transplanted palmaris longus tendon is simple and effective, with a low recurrence rate, few complications, and satisfactory results.