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Review on mallet finger treatment
Jason Pui Yin Cheung1, Boris Fung, Wing Yuk Ip
1Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University of Hong Kong Medical Centre, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. jcheung98@hotmail.com
Summary
Mallet finger, an extensor tendon injury, is typically treated with splinting. Surgical intervention is reserved for severe fractures or treatment failures.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Hand Surgery
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Mallet finger involves extensor tendon rupture or avulsion fracture at the distal phalanx.
- Injuries result from sudden finger flexion or hyperextension, often causing dorsal fractures with palmar subluxation.
- Current treatment guidelines recommend distal interphalangeal joint immobilization via splinting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the common causes, diagnosis, and treatment of mallet finger injuries.
- To discuss the efficacy of splinting versus surgical intervention.
- To identify indications for surgical management in mallet finger cases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of mallet finger injuries.
- Analysis of treatment outcomes for splinting and surgical fixation.
- Evaluation of fracture characteristics and joint stability.
Main Results:
- Splinting is the primary treatment for most mallet finger injuries.
- No definitive consensus exists on optimal splint type or duration.
- Surgical fixation is indicated for open injuries, large avulsion fractures (>1/3 articular surface), or failed splinting.
Conclusions:
- Mallet finger management primarily involves non-operative treatment with splinting.
- Surgical intervention is reserved for specific complex cases.
- Further research may clarify optimal splinting protocols.
