Modification of the internal suture technique for mallet finger

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Hand Surgery
• Traumatology

Background:

• Mallet finger deformities, specifically tendinous types, often present challenges in treatment.
• Traditional splinting may fail in chronic cases or with non-compliant patients.
• Surgical intervention is sometimes necessary for stable fixation of the terminal extensor tendon.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and evaluate a modified internal suture technique for treating tendinous mallet finger deformities.
• To assess the efficacy and outcomes of this surgical modification.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 15 patients with mallet finger deformities underwent treatment with a modified internal suture technique.
• Patients included those with chronic injuries, splinting non-compliance, or prior failed splinting.
• Results were assessed using Crawford criteria after a mean follow-up of 12 months.

Main Results:

• The modified technique achieved a mean active range of motion of 73° at the distal interphalangeal joint.
• Excellent or good results were observed in 14 out of 15 patients (93%) based on Crawford criteria.
• Only two patients experienced mild nail deformities, with no other significant complications reported.

Conclusions:

• The modified internal suture technique provides stable fixation for tendinous mallet finger deformities.
• This surgical approach demonstrates high efficacy and a low complication rate.
• It is a viable treatment option for mallet finger deformities when internal suture fixation is planned.