Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Mallet finger and fractures

D J McMinn

    Injury
    |May 1, 1981
    PubMed
    Summary

    Mallet finger injuries, often linked to fractures of the terminal phalanx, can result in reduced finger extension. Non-surgical treatment is effective for fractures without joint subluxation, while surgical intervention may benefit those with subluxation.

    Related Concept Videos

    You might also read

    Related Articles

    Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

    Sort by
    Same author

    Failure of uncemented polyethylene acetabular components.

    The Journal of arthroplasty·1993
    Same author

    White cell scans and infected joint replacements. Failure to detect chronic infection.

    The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume·1993
    Same author

    A technique for removing an intrapelvic acetabular cup.

    The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume·1993
    Same author

    Patellotibial impingement in Kinemax stabilised total knee replacement.

    The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume·1992
    Same author

    Diagnosing infection in hip replacements. The use of fine-needle aspiration and radiometric culture.

    The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume·1992
    Same author

    A new approach to the hip for revision surgery.

    The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume·1991

    Area of Science:

    • Orthopedics
    • Hand Surgery
    • Traumatology

    Background:

    • Mallet finger frequently co-occurs with dorsal fractures at the base of the terminal phalanx.
    • The term "mallet finger fracture" is imprecise and can encompass various fractures in this region.
    • Distinguishing between fractures with and without mallet finger is crucial for appropriate management.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To warn against the indiscriminate use of the term "mallet finger fracture."
    • To differentiate between fractures presenting with and without mallet finger.
    • To analyze treatment outcomes based on the presence of mallet finger and joint subluxation.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective case review of patients with terminal phalanx fractures.
    • Clinical assessment of finger extension and joint stability.
    • Evaluation of treatment modalities including conservative support and surgical fixation.

    Main Results:

    • Eleven cases of fracture without mallet finger and no subluxation achieved full function with conservative management (support and early activity).
    • Two cases with subluxation developed joint stiffness, suggesting potential benefit from open fixation.
    • Persistent loss of active extension is a common sequela of mallet finger, irrespective of fracture presence.

    Conclusions:

    • Conservative treatment is effective for terminal phalanx fractures without subluxation and without mallet finger.
    • Surgical intervention, such as open fixation, may be indicated for fractures with subluxation to prevent joint stiffness.
    • Accurate diagnosis and classification of these injuries are essential for optimizing patient outcomes and function.

    Related Experiment Videos