J Korean Soc Surg Hand.  2015 Sep;20(3):138-141. 10.12790/jkssh.2015.20.3.138.

Physical Therapy-Induced Secondary Bony Mallet Finger Deformity

• Han HH
• Choi JY
• Moon SH

• KMID: 2068820
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12790/jkssh.2015.20.3.138

Abstract

After operation for fracture in the phalangeal bones, rehabilitation is initiated in order to minimize joint stiffness if in the case, complete bony union is confirmed by hand surgeons. The described case demonstrates that bony mallet deformity can occur during physical therapy following by surgical pinning of a proximal phalangeal fracture. This mallet finger deformity occurred due to vigorous rehabilitation for correction of postoperative joint stiffness. So, when hand surgeons treat patients with proximal phalangeal fracture, it is important to minimize joint space involvement and close follow-ups accompanying imaging studies during rehabilitation period.

Keyword

Mallet deformity; Rehabilitation; Stiffness; Fracture

MeSH Terms

Congenital Abnormalities*
Fingers*
Follow-Up Studies
Hand
Humans
Joints
Rehabilitation

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1. Primary little finger fracture. (A) Radiographs depicted a comminuted fracture of the head of the proximal phalanx. (B) Postoperative radiograph demonstrating anatomic reduction by Kirschner wire fixation at 7 days after injury. (C) Lateral radiograph taken two months after closed reduction demonstrating complete bony union.

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  Fig. 2. Secondary bony mallet deformity. (A) The patient represented due to a distal phalangeal bone fracture on his little finger. (B) The extension block method was used to treat the bony mallet injury.

Reference

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