Stack Splinting Versus Kirschner Wire Treatment in Acute Closed Mallet Finger Doyle I.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Hand Surgery
• Traumatology

Background:

• Mallet finger injuries are common, often treated conservatively.
• Evidence for optimal management of mallet finger injuries is lacking.
• Acute closed mallet finger Doyle I requires effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of Kirschner wire immobilization versus Stack Splinting for acute closed mallet finger Doyle I.
• To determine the preferred treatment for mallet finger injuries based on recovery rates and relapse.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for mallet finger management.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 41 patients with acute closed mallet finger Doyle I.
• Patients were randomized into two groups: Kirschner wire (19) and Stack splinting (22).
• Immobilization was maintained for a mean duration of 6 weeks.

Main Results:

• Seventeen out of 19 patients (89.5%) treated with Kirschner wire achieved full recovery.
• Only 7 out of 22 patients (31.8%) treated with Stack splinting completed treatment successfully.
• Fifteen patients (68.2%) treated with Stack splint experienced mallet injury relapse.

Conclusions:

• Kirschner wire immobilization demonstrates superior results for acute closed mallet finger Doyle I.
• Stack splinting is associated with a high rate of relapse in mallet finger injuries.
• Kirschner wire treatment is a simpler procedure with better outcomes.