Bony Mallet Finger Malunion: Corrective Osteotomy Technique.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Hand Surgery
• Traumatology

Background:

• Chronic mallet finger injuries, especially those with bony malunions, often lead to significant functional impairment and pain.
• Existing surgical treatments for chronic mallet finger injuries may not fully restore distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint extension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel surgical technique using distal phalanx osteotomy for correcting chronic mallet finger injuries.
• To evaluate the efficacy of this technique in restoring DIP joint extension and active range of motion.

Main Methods:

• A novel surgical technique involving a distal phalanx osteotomy was performed to correct chronic mallet finger injuries.
• Postoperative management included splinting with gradual motion exercises.
• Full activity resumption was typically achieved by 2.5 months.

Main Results:

• The distal phalanx osteotomy technique successfully restored full DIP joint extension and active range of motion.
• Patients experienced improvement in extensor lag.
• Outcomes were comparable to successful nonoperative treatments for bony and tendinous mallet injuries.

Conclusions:

• Distal phalanx osteotomy is an effective novel technique for managing chronic mallet finger injuries, particularly those with bony malunions or hyperlaxity.
• This procedure offers a viable solution for restoring digital function and alleviating pain and stiffness associated with chronic mallet finger injuries.