[Sutureless reconstruction of the extensor tendon in mallet finger]

Good functional results can be obtained with early conservative treatment of lacerations or ruptures of the terminal portions of the finger extensor tendons. If the injury is not treated or followed closely, the typical deformity can be seen after several months. If the appearance and the functional disturbance are severe, operative reconstruction is indicated. In these cases, the ruptured or avulsed tendon generally heals spontaneously in three months in a lengthened position. This observation has been the impetus to the investigation of a very simple operative procedure. Observations on the healing and shortening of tendon ends in loose approximation can be applied to acute tendon ruptures. For this reason, ruptures of the extensor tendons are treated by pinning the distal interphalangeal joint in slight hyperextension with a Kirschner wire. This operation has been performed on 80 patients with good functional and aesthetic results.