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Chronic mallet finger: The use of Fowler's central slip release
Abstract:
The use of Fowler's central slip release is reported in five patients considered to be failures of closed management in a personal series of 100 consecutive "mallet fingers" seen over a period of 3 years. Fracture-subluxation of the distal interphalangeal joint, avulsion fractures of the extensor tendon, and distal phalangeal epiphyseal injuries are excluded to regidly control the data interpretation. In all five the central slip release was employed as a salvage procedure-as Fowler recommended. In four cases the result was rated as excellent; the remaining case was rated as good, with minimum follow-up of 1 year.
Insights
Fowler's central slip release is an effective salvage procedure for mallet finger injuries that fail conservative treatment. This surgical technique resulted in excellent or good outcomes in all five patients treated.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Hand Surgery
- Traumatology
Background:
- Mallet finger injuries often require surgical intervention when closed management fails.
- Salvage procedures are necessary for complex or persistent cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Fowler's central slip release as a salvage procedure for mallet finger.
- To assess outcomes in patients with failed closed management.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of five patients with mallet finger injuries.
- Fowler's central slip release was performed as a salvage procedure.
- Exclusion criteria included fracture-subluxation, avulsion fractures, and epiphyseal injuries.
Main Results:
- Four out of five patients achieved excellent outcomes.
- One patient had a good outcome.
- Minimum follow-up was one year.
Conclusions:
- Fowler's central slip release is a viable and effective salvage option for mallet finger injuries.
- The procedure demonstrates high success rates in cases refractory to non-operative treatment.