Closed Reduction of Mallet Fractures using Extension Black Kirshner Wire
Abstract
- Operative repair of mallet fracture is a technically difficult operation because fracture of fragment and the difficulty in visualizing the articular congruity. The problems with these methods include soft tissue scar formation and subsequent joint stiffness. From January 1993 to April 1994, eight cases of mallet fingers with displaced large fracture fragment and/or subluxed distal phalanx were treated by closed reduction using extension-block Kirschner wire. The follow-up evaluation took place after a mean of 6 months. The results according to Crawford's criteria were four excellent, two good and two fair. This technique is simple, and easier than other techniques for reduction of mallet fractures, and is associated with a low morbidity.