Intraosseous Vascular Access Device as a Transarticular K-wire Alternative in Mallet Finger Laceration

Mallet finger is a common injury often treated without operative intervention. When there is concern for skin integrity or a large articular component is involved, simple operative repair may be needed. This has been performed with transarticular Kirschner wire (K-wire) placement. This case discusses the novel use of an intraosseous vascular access device (IOVAD) as a potential adjunct to stabilization and alternative to treatment with operative K-wire fixation. A 53-year-old man was successfully treated using the inner trocar of the EZ-IO® system for a mallet finger injury with laceration, shown in comparison with another standard manual pinning approach using an 18-gauge needle. An IOVAD can be used successfully as an alternative to K-wire placement in patients with mallet finger injuries.