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Fowler's tenotomy for mallet deformity
P Houpt1, R Dijkstra, J B Storm van Leeuwen
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Sophia Hospital, Zwolle, Holland.
Journal of Hand Surgery (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Fowler's tenotomy effectively treated mallet finger deformities in 35 patients. Most regained full finger extension, demonstrating the procedure's high success rate for this common hand injury.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Hand Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Mallet finger deformities result from central extensor tendon injury.
- Established deformities pose significant functional challenges for patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Fowler's tenotomy for established mallet finger deformities.
- To assess the degree of extension recovery following the surgical intervention.
Main Methods:
- Fowler's tenotomy procedure performed on the central extensor tendon.
- Treatment applied to 35 patients with established mallet finger deformities.
- Pre-operative extension deficits were recorded.
Main Results:
- Mean pre-operative lack of extension was 45 degrees.
- 26 out of 35 patients achieved full extension post-operatively.
- Eight patients had residual deformities of 10-20 degrees.
- One patient presented with a 30-degree residual deformity.
Conclusions:
- Fowler's tenotomy is a successful surgical option for established mallet finger.
- The procedure offers a high likelihood of restoring full finger extension.
- Minor residual deformities may occur in a subset of patients.