J Korean Fract Soc.  2006 Apr;19(2):236-240. 10.12671/jkfs.2006.19.2.236.

The Result of the Modified Extension Block Technique in Bony Mallet Finger

• Yi SR
• Hahn SH
• Yang BK
• Ahn YJ
• Yoo JH
• Yeo YB
• Bin SW

• KMID: 2063855
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2006.19.2.236

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the treatment outcomes of the modified extension block technique for bony mallet finger.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study included 16 patients who had been treated with the modified extension block technique for bony mallet finger from December 2002 to January 2004. The average duration of follow up was 13 (12~17) months. The indication of operation was the presence of a large bony fragment invading more than 1/3 of the articular surface or the palmar subluxation in the distal interphalangeal joint.
RESULTS
The average extension lag was 2.3 degrees, and the range of motion of the distal interphalangeal joint was 68.8 degrees. Radiograph showed bony union state in all cases. By the Crawford's evaluation criteria, 12 cases (75%) was excellent or good. Postoperative complications occurred in 3 cases, which were reduction loss within postoperative 2 weeks in 2 cases and mild pain with motion in 1 case.
CONCLUSION
The modified extension block technique is a easy and simple method. It shows a good result without complications from skin incision. So, it seems a useful method for bony mallet finger.

Keyword

Bony mallet finger; Extension block technique

MeSH Terms

Fingers*
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Joints
Postoperative Complications
Range of Motion, Articular
Skin