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Treatment options for mallet finger: a review
Jeroen M Smit1, Michiel R Beets, Clark J Zeebregts
1Eindhoven, Groningen, Nijmegen, and Geldrop, The Netherlands From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Catharina Hospital Eindhoven; Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Radboud University, Nijmegen Medical Center; and Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Saint Anna Hospital.
Mallet finger injuries are best treated with splinting, especially uncomplicated cases. Surgical interventions are recommended for injuries unresponsive to splinting or those with significant bone displacement.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Hand Surgery
- Traumatology
Background:
- Mallet finger is a prevalent digital extensor mechanism injury.
- Understanding treatment options, outcomes, and complications is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of mallet finger injury treatment modalities.
- To analyze indications, outcomes, and potential complications associated with various treatments.
Main Methods:
- A literature review was performed using the PubMed database.
- Searches included articles published between January 1980 and January 2010.
- Keywords used were "mallet" and "finger."
Main Results:
- Splinting demonstrates effectiveness in both uncomplicated and complicated mallet finger cases.
- Both early and delayed splinting yield comparable results.
- Various internal fixation techniques exist, but comparative studies are limited. Chronic injuries may require tenodesis, tenotomy, or arthrodesis.
Conclusions:
- Splinting therapy is the primary treatment for uncomplicated mallet finger injuries.
- Surgical intervention is indicated for cases refractory to splinting.
- Optimal treatment for mallet injuries with large bone fragments remains debated between surgical and non-surgical approaches.
