Results of the Matev operation for correction of Boutonnière deformity

Between December 1971 and December 1977, 41 patients with long-standing boutonnière deformities were treated by Matev's operation. The average follow-up time was 13 months (range 8 to 18 months). The duration of their lesions varied from 32 to 176 days. The digits most affected were the long finger (14) and the ring finger (11). Postoperatively, all patients showed excellent flexion of the fingers with only a very slight deficit in extension of the PIP joint. Eight of them also had some deficit in extension of the DIP joint, with flexion there of 10 degrees to 15 degrees, but little real disability. The results indicate that when the Matev operation is clearly indicated and properly performed, it is an excellent one for the treatment of this condition.