Mallet Finger Impormasyon
Ano ang nararamdaman mo
Maaaring mapansin mong bumababa ang dulo ng iyong daliri at hindi ito matuwid nang sarili. Nangyayari ito dahil sugatan ang tendon na nagtatayo ng iyong daliri. Karaniwang matatagpuan ang sakit sa dulo ng iyong daliri. Maaaring maging matulis ang pakiramdam kapag sinusubukan mong galawin ito o pindutin ang lugar.
Karaniwang lumalala ang hindi komportableng pakiramdam pagkatapos mong gamitin ang iyong kamay. Ang mga gawain tulad ng pag-type, pagdala ng mga bilihin, o paglalaro ng sports ay maaaring magdulot ng karagdagang sakit. Maaari ka ring maranasan ang pagkatigas kapag gising ka pa lang sa umaga. Karaniwang nawawala ang pagkatigas na ito pagkatapos mong galawin ang iyong kamay sa loob ng ilang minuto.
Nagiging mahirap ang mga araw-araw na gawain. Mahirap umabot sa likod ng iyong likod upang isara ang bra. Ang pagtutukoy ng isang kamiseta ay nangangailangan ng maingat na koordinasyon upang maiwasan ang pag-ugat ng daliri. Ang pagtulog sa iyong gilid ay maaaring maglagay ng presyon sa sugatang dulo, na nagdudulot ng sakit na nagpapagising sa iyo.
Sa ilang kaso, apektado ang parehong kamay. Maaari itong mangyari kung mayroon kang mga partikular na pagbabago sa biochemistry sa iyong katawan. Kung ikaw ay isang bata, maaaring kasama ng sugatan ang tendon at isang maliit na fragment ng buto. Ito ay bihira ngunit posible.
Karamihan sa mga oras, pinamamahalaan namin ito gamit ang splint. Kinakabit namin ang isang simpleng suporta sa likod ng iyong daliri. Itinataguyod nito ang dulo ng iyong daliri upang mabuti ang tendon. Isusuot mo ito nang tuloy-tuloy sa loob ng ilang linggo. Ang operasyon ay kailangan lamang kung may malaking fragment ng buto na nabasag o kung lumipat ang buto sa maliit na posisyon.
Ang parehong paggamit ng splint at operasyon ay nagdudulot ng magagandang resulta. Dapat mong inaasahan ang ilang natitirang pagkatigas, lalo na kung malala ang pagbaba bago ang paggamot. Kailangan ng oras ang buong pagwawasto. Maging pasensyoso sa iyong paggaling. Gabayin ka ng iyong surgeon sa proseso.
Ano ang nangyayari talaga
May maliit na tendon sa dulo ng iyong daliri na tinatawag na terminal tendon. Ito ay nakakabit sa pinakadulo na buto ng iyong daliri. Ang tendon na ito ay gumagana tulad ng lubid na humihila upang tuwidin ang dulo ng iyong daliri. Kapag inuunat mo ang iyong daliri, napapaligoy ang lubid na ito upang itaas ang dulo.
Sa pinsalang mallet finger, ang lubid na ito ay naputol o napalayo sa buto. Karaniwang nangyayari ito kapag biglang yumuko ang dulo ng iyong daliri na nasa posisyong tuwid. Isipin ang pagkadikit ng iyong daliri sa gilid ng mesa habang umaabot para sa isang bagay. Ang puwersa ay higit pa sa kaya ng tendon.
Dahil putol ang lubid, nawawala ang kakayahang tuwidin ang dulo ng iyong daliri nang mag-isa. Ang kasukasuan ay nananatiling yumuko. Ito ay tinatawag na mallet deformity. Maaaring mapansin mo na bumababa ang dulo. Gayunpaman, maaari mo pa ring ituwid ito nang buo kung may ibang tao ang gumagalaw para sa iyo. Ito ay dahil nananatiling buo ang passive range of motion.
Maaaring mangyari ang pinsala sa dalawang paraan. Una, maaaring ganap na tumuklap ang tendon mismo. Pangalawa, maaaring humila ng maliit na piraso ng kasama ang tendon. Ito ay tinatawag na avulsion fracture. Kasama ng piraso ng buto ang pagkakabit ng tendon, kaya magkapareho ang itsura ng resulta. Parehong uri ang nagdudulot ng parehong posisyong bumababa.
Minsan, may malaking piraso ng buto na nabasag. Ito ay kabilang ang higit sa isang-tatlo ng ibabaw ng kasukasuan. Sa mga kaso na ito, maaaring lumusob ang dulo ng buto pasulong laban sa pagkakahanay. Ito ay tinatawag na volar subluxation. Binabago nito ang pagganap ng kasukasuan at madalas nangangailangan ng ibang paggamot.
Sa mga bata, maaaring apektado ng pinsala ang growth plate imbes na ang tendon. Mas malambot ang buto doon. Maaaring mag-displace ang fracture ng dulo ng daliri sa posisyong mallet. Ang hyperextension ay karaniwang tumutulong upang ibalik ito sa tamang posisyon.
Karamihan sa mga mallet finger ay dulot ng closed injuries. Nananatiling buo ang balat. Ang mga open injuries kung saan nababasag ang balat ay bihira. Ang mga daliring maliit, singsing, at gitna ang pinakakaraniwang apektado. Ito ay karaniwan sa mga lalaki.
Ano ang maitutulong namin
Paano kinikilala ni Dr Kieran Hirpara, isang manggagamot sa itaas na bahagi ng katawan sa Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, ang sitwasyong ito sa aming klinika ay nagpapakita ng malinaw na landas. Dumating ang mga pasyente sa aming klinika sa pamamagitan ng referral mula sa GP o physiotherapist. Isang pagsusuri sa klinika (kasaysayan, pagsusuri, at pag-imaging kung kinakailangan) ang nagtataguyod ng diagnosis. Para sa mga structural o acute na problema, maaaring irekomenda ang operasyon agad-agad, nang walang nakaraang non-operative na subok. Para sa mga degenerative o matagal nang problema, karaniwan naming sinusubukan ang non-operative na paggamot — pagbabago ng aktibidad, physiotherapy o hand therapy, paggamit ng splint, at mga injeksyon — at isasalang-aling ang operasyon kapag hindi ito nagbigay ng sapat na pagpapabuti.
Karamihan sa mga sugat sa mallet finger ay gumagaling nang maayos nang walang operasyon. Madalas naming pinagsisimulan ang isang dorsal glued splint o isang simpleng splint. Isusuot mo ito upang panatilihin ang dulo ng iyong daliri na tuwid. Maaaring gamutin ng isang hand therapist ang mga sugat sa mallet finger na uri 1 nang kasing-episyente ng isang manggagamot. Gumagamit sila ng isang paraan ng immobilisation na praktikal na walang komplikasyon sa kondisyon ng balat. Ang supplemental na paggamit ng splint sa gabi ay hindi nagpapabuti ng resulta sa terms ng extensor lag, kapansanan, o kasiyahan sa paggamot. May ilang pasyente ang gumagamit ng alternatibong simpleng custom-made orthosis. Ipinapayagan nito ang PIP flexion habang pinipigilan ang buong extension o hyperextension. Ang conservative na therapeutic na pamamahala ng acute, closed mallet finger ay iba-iba at magkakaiba, na may mga ehersisyo at interbensyon na karagdagang sa splinting na karaniwang ginagamit.
Ang operasyon ay minsan inirerekomenda para sa acute o chronic mallet cases o para sa salvage ng nabigo na nakaraang paggamot. Maaari naming isalang-alang ang surgical na pamamahala para sa acute at chronic mallet lesions sa mga pasyente na nabigo ang nonsurgical na paggamot. Isinasalang-aling namin din ito para sa mga pasyente na hindi makakapagtrabaho habang naka-posisyon ang splint. Karaniwang indikado ang operasyon sa kaso ng mga mallet fracture na kabilang ang higit sa isang-tatlo ng articular surface. Indikado rin ito sa lahat ng mga pasyente na bumubuo ng volar subluxation ng distal phalanx. Gayunpaman, isang mahalagang benepisyo ng surgical na pamamahala kahit sa mga komplikadong kaso ay hindi pa malinaw na patunayan. Mababa ang rates ng komplikasyon para sa conservative na pamamahala ng Doyle type 4c mallet finger, na nagpapahiwatig na ang mga kaso ng malaking fragment ay maaaring epektibong pamahalaan nang conservative.
Ano ang inaasahan
Karamihan sa mga sugat sa mallet finger ay gumagaling nang maayos nang walang operasyon. Malamang na magdala ka ng splint upang panatilihin ang dulo ng iyong daliri na tuwid. Pinapayagan nito ang tendon o buto na gumaling sa tamang posisyon. Parehong ang paggamit ng splint at ang operasyon ay nagdudulot ng mahusay na klinikal na resulta para sa karamihan ng mga pasyente.
Kung ang iyong sugat ay may kasamang malaking piraso ng buto o kung ang kasukasuan ay lumipat mula sa tamang posisyon, maaaring irekomenda ng iyong doktor ang operasyon. Karaniwang ginagawa ito upang istabilisa ang kasukasuan at maiwasan ang pangmatagalang deformity. Kahit sa mga mas kumplikadong kaso, ang mga resulta ay karaniwang napakabuti.
Inaasahan mong tatagal ng ilang buwan ang proseso ng paggaling. Ang pagiging matiyaga ang susi. Kailangan mong panatilihin ang splint na nakasuot nang tuloy-tuloy sa loob ng panahon na inirerekomenda ng iyong doktor. Ang maagang pag-alis nito ay maaaring magdulot ng pagbubukas muli ng sugat o maling paggaling. Kapag kumpleto na ang paggaling, dahan-dahan mong mababawi ang galaw at lakas.
May ilang pasyente na maaaring mapansin ang kaunting stiffness o bahagyang liko sa dulo ng daliri na hindi ganap na natutuwid. Ito ay kilala bilang extensor lag. Mas karaniwan ito kung ang sugat ay malala o kung ang paggamot ay naantala. Gayunpaman, ang minor na limitasyong ito ay bihirang makaapekto sa iyong kakayahang gamitin ang iyong kamay para sa mga pang-araw-araw na gawain.
Ang mga komplikasyon ay bihirang mangyari. Ang mga impeksyon, nonunion (kung saan ang buto ay hindi gumagaling), o mga deformity ng kuko ay bihirang mangyari kapag ang sugat ay tamang pinamamahalaan. Kung mayroon kang fracture na may kasamang malaking bahagi ng ibabaw ng kasukasuan, may panganib na ang kasukasuan ay lumipat. Susubaybayan ito ng iyong doktor nang mahigpit upang matiyak ang tamang pagkakahanay.
Sa mga bihirang kaso kung saan nabigo ang unang paggamot, maaaring kailanganin ang karagdagang operasyon upang ayusin ang deformity. Ang mga salvage procedures na ito ay epektibo sa pagbawi ng function at itsura. Sa kabuuan, may tamang pag-aalaga, inaasahan mong muling makabalik sa iyong normal na mga gawain at libangan.
Kailan makipag-ugnayan sa doktor
Kumonsulta sa iyong doktor kung mayroon kang patuloy na sakit na hindi gumagaling kahit pahinga. Humingi ng pagsusuri ng espesyalista kung napapansin mo ang kahinaan o kawalan ng katatagan sa daliri. Humingi ng medikal na tulong kung ang kasukasuan ay nakakabit o biglang lumulubog. Makipag-ugnayan sa iyong doktor kung ang mga sintomas ay nakakaapekto sa iyong pagtulog o trabaho. Biglaang paglala ng iyong kalagayan ay dahilan din upang humingi ng tulong. Minsan, ang mga sugat sa mallet finger ay maaaring magpakita bilang bilateral na kaso, ibig sabihin, apektado ang parehong kamay. Maaari ring magkaroon ng papel ang mga biochemical na abnormalidad sa mga sugat na ito. Ang maagang pagsusuri ay tumutulong upang matukoy kung kailangan mo ng simpleng immobilization o karagdagang paggamot. Gabay ng iyong surgeon ang pinakamainam na susunod na hakbang para sa iyong partikular na sitwasyon.
Evidence & references
This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.
Overview
- Absolute indications for surgical intervention for mallet fingers in pediatric populations remain unclear [1].
- Delayed surgical management of bony mallet fingers demonstrated adequate functional outcomes with minimal complications compared with prior literature [2].
- Both surgical and nonsurgical treatments of mallet finger injuries lead to excellent clinical outcomes [3].
- Most authorities splint only the distal joint for mallet finger deformities [4].
- Complication rates for large-fragment mallet finger cases are low, suggesting they can be effectively managed conservatively [5].
- Most mallet finger injuries can be managed non-surgically with splinting, although surgery is occasionally recommended for acute or chronic cases or for salvage of failed prior treatment [6].
- The role of surgery for mallet fractures of the thumb remains unclear due to their uncommon nature and favorable radiographic findings [7].
- After a mallet-finger injury treated within two weeks by either splinting method, few patients have significant persistent disability [8].
- Some authors propose treating all cases of mallet finger with a dorsal glued splint except for stage IV mallet finger, which is treated with extra-articular pinning [9].
- The conservative treatment of mallet finger with a simple splint is recommended as an alternative means of treatment [14].
- There was insufficient evidence from comparisons tested within randomised controlled trials to establish the relative effectiveness of different, either custom-made or off-the-shelf, finger splints used for treating mallet finger injury [15].
- Surgery is generally indicated in the case of mallet fractures involving more than one-third of the articular surface as well as in all patients who develop volar subluxation of the distal phalanx [16].
- A significant advantage of surgical management even in complicated cases (fractures >1/3 articular surface or volar subluxation) has yet to be clearly proven [16].
Anatomy & Pathophysiology
- The mallet finger deformity is characterized by a loss of active distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint extension with full passive range of motion evident [18].
- The deformity reflects the loss of normal extensor force transmission via the terminal tendon insertion onto the distal phalanx [18].
- The unopposed flexor digitorum profundus pulls the distal joint into flexion [18].
- The usual mechanism of injury involves sudden passive flexion of an actively extended DIP joint [18].
- Disruption of the terminal tendon may be entirely confined to the tendon or may involve an avulsed fracture fragment from the dorsal lip of the distal phalanx proximal articular surface [18].
- The clinical appearance of soft tissue and bony mallet fingers is similar because the avulsed fragment includes the terminal tendon insertion [18].
- The distal joint rests in flexion, a posture that cannot be actively changed [18].
- Full passive extension of the DIP joint is possible [18].
- Mallet finger most commonly involves a closed rupture of the terminal tendon with or without associated fracture of the distal phalanx [34].
- Snagging the extending finger on an object that suddenly flexes the DIP joint is a frequent cause of injury [34].
- Less commonly, a forceful hyperextension injury of the DIP joint may result in a large fracture of the base of the distal phalanx involving one-third or more of the articular surface [34].
- Elderly patients with osteoarthritis of the DIP joint may have mallet deformities that are not related to trauma [34].
- Individuals with hyperlax joints may have multiple pseudomallet swan neck postures that are unrelated to trauma [34].
- Open mallet injuries are uncommon [34].
- The most frequently involved digits are the small, ring, and middle fingers of the dominant hand [34].
- There is a male predominance in mallet finger incidence [34].
- Tendinous mallet fingers have been reported to occur from age 11 onward [34].
- In skeletally immature individuals, a transepiphyseal plate fracture may be seen [34].
- There may be a familial predisposition to mallet fingers [34].
- The terminal tendon is the primary structure responsible for extending the DIP joint [46].
- Adjacent retinacular structures provide stability to the DIP joint [46].
- Palmar subluxation of a DIP joint without preexisting arthritic deformity is expected when more than one half of the dorsal articular surface is injured [47].
- A mallet finger caused by avulsion of the extensor tendon from the distal phalanx can be satisfactorily treated by splinting 12 weeks after injury [13].
- Prolonged splinting and splinting longer than 12 weeks may be successful, though the duration may be limited by the patient’s tolerance [13].
- After 12 weeks, if the distal phalanx droops severely but passive extension in the DIP joint is still satisfactory, surgery may be indicated depending on patient needs [13].
- Displacement of the epiphysis of the distal phalanx can cause the digit to assume a mallet finger posture [13].
- Hyperextension of the phalanx usually affords satisfactory reduction of a displaced epiphysis [13].
Classification
- Most mallet finger injuries can be managed non-surgically with splinting [6].
- Surgery is occasionally recommended for acute or chronic cases of mallet finger [6].
- Surgery is occasionally recommended for salvage of failed prior treatment of mallet finger [6].
- The authors propose to treat all cases of mallet finger with a dorsal glued splint except for stage IV mallet finger [9].
- Stage IV mallet finger is treated with extra-articular pinning [9].
- A modification to the Doyle classification is proposed to make it more encompassing and less prone to interobserver error [31].
- The interrater reliability of the Kellgren & Lawrence classification system for post-traumatic osteoarthritis in the distal interphalangeal joint after mallet finger fractures is considerably lower than initially assumed [36].
- The interrater reliability of the OARSI classification system for post-traumatic osteoarthritis in the distal interphalangeal joint after mallet finger fractures is considerably lower than initially assumed [36].
- The modified Mallet classification demonstrated strong to excellent agreement and interrater reliability across face-to-face, live tele-assessment, and video-based conditions [37].
- The modified Mallet classification is appropriate for remote medical follow-up [37].
- Non-operative management of mallet fractures is safe regardless of fracture classification [38].
- Non-operative management of mallet fractures is safe regardless of joint congruence [38].
- Non-operative management of mallet fractures is safe regardless of pre-existing degenerate change in the DIP joint [38].
Clinical Presentation
- Mallet finger injuries are frequent in football [19].
- Mallet deformity accounts for a minority of sporting injuries [28].
- Bilateral mallet fingers raise questions regarding the possible role of biochemical abnormalities in causing the condition [20].
- Approximately 50% of patients with a mallet fracture involving more than one-third of the articular surface of the distal phalanx do not progress to subluxation of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint [21].
- Fracture size is an independent risk factor for the development of DIP joint subluxation in mallet fracture [21].
- Time to application of a finger immobilizer is an independent risk factor for the development of DIP joint subluxation in mallet fracture [21].
- Conservative management of tendinous mallet finger injuries neglected for 2 to 4 weeks can be treated as well as those presenting within the first 2 weeks of injury, with low long-term complication rates [12].
- Surgery is occasionally recommended for acute or chronic cases of mallet finger or for salvage of failed prior treatment [6].
- Uncomplicated cases of mallet injuries are best treated by splinting therapy [29].
- Cases that do not react to splinting therapy are best treated by surgical interventions [29].
- The authors propose to treat all cases of mallet finger with a dorsal glued splint except for stage IV mallet finger, which is treated with extra-articular pinning [9].
- Early recognition of mallet finger injuries and referrals to a hand surgeon are crucial to avoid long-term disability [11].
Investigations
- Most authorities recommend splinting only the distal joint for mallet finger deformities [4].
- A radiograph should be obtained to determine whether a fracture is present [18].
- Radiographs should be evaluated to assess if the dorsal fragment is large and whether the distal phalanx is subluxed palmarward [18].
- Approximately 50% of patients with a mallet fracture involving more than one-third of the articular surface of the distal phalanx do not progress to subluxation of the DIP joint [21].
- Fracture size and time to application of finger immobilizer are independent risk factors for the development of DIP joint subluxation in mallet fracture [21].
- Surgery is generally indicated in cases of mallet fractures involving more than one-third of the articular surface [16].
- Surgery is generally indicated in all patients who develop volar subluxation of the distal phalanx [16].
- The advantage of surgical management for complicated cases (large fractures or subluxation) has yet to be clearly proven [16].
Treatment
Non-Operative Management
- Surgery is occasionally recommended for acute or chronic cases or for salvage of failed prior treatment [6].
- Conservative management of tendinous mallet finger injuries neglected for 2 to 4 weeks can be treated as well as those presenting within the first 2 weeks, with low long-term complication rates [12].
- A simple splint is recommended as an alternative means of treating mallet finger [14].
- There was insufficient evidence from randomized controlled trials to establish the relative effectiveness of different custom-made or off-the-shelf finger splints for treating mallet finger injury [15].
- Supplemental night splinting does not improve outcomes in terms of extensor lag, disability, or satisfaction with treatment [22].
- A hand therapist can treat type 1 mallet finger injuries as effectively as a surgeon [24].
- A hand therapist can treat type 1 mallet finger injuries as effectively as a surgeon, using an immobilization method that offers practically no complications regarding skin condition [32].
- Hand therapists implement a diverse range of clinical skills to optimize outcome success [23].
- The clinical efficacy of elastic taping for the treatment of mallet finger injuries remains to be tested vigorously [27].
Operative Management
- A significant advantage of surgical management over conservative management in complicated cases (fracture >1/3 articular surface or volar subluxation) has yet to be clearly proven [16].
- Surgical management may be considered for acute and chronic mallet lesions in patients who have failed nonsurgical treatment [30].
- Surgical management may be considered for acute and chronic mallet lesions in patients unable to work with the splint in position [30].
- Surgical management may be considered for acute and chronic mallet lesions in patients with a fracture involving more than one third of the joint surface [30].
- A deepithelialised pedicled skin flap technique is a new reliable alternative in the treatment of chronic mallet finger [25].
- Scar overlapping suture for treating chronic tendinous mallet finger in children is safe and effective [33].
Surgical Technique Details
- A mallet finger caused by avulsion of the extensor tendon from the distal phalanx can be satisfactorily treated by splinting 12 weeks after injury, as described for an acute injury [13].
- Prolonged splinting and splinting longer than 12 weeks may be successful, though duration may be limited by patient tolerance [13].
- After 12 weeks, if the distal phalanx droops severely but passive extension in the distal interphalangeal joint is still satisfactory, surgery may be indicated depending on patient needs [13].
- For surgical repair of chronic mallet finger, make a small V-shaped or U-shaped incision, convex distally, with the tip no closer than 5 mm proximal to the nail base on the dorsum of the finger [13].
- Avoid injury to the germinal matrix of the nail during incision for chronic mallet finger repair [13].
- Develop the flap gently in the plane between the tendon and subcutaneous fat, elevating proximally to expose the extensor tendon with intervening scar [13].
- Attempt to identify the junction of normal tendon with scar and sever the tendon transversely proximal to the joint, leaving the insertion of the tendon into bone [13].
- Resect sufficient scar or tendon to allow closure of the gap with the finger in maximal extension [13].
- Support and protect the repair by immobilizing the joint with a transarticular 0.045-inch Kirschner wire [13].
- Repair the extensor tendon with 4-0 monofilament nylon or 4-0 monofilament wire as a pull-out roll stitch [13].
- No additional sutures are required for the tendon repair in chronic mallet finger surgery [13].
- Close the skin with interrupted 5-0 nylon or use 4-0 nylon as a dermotondermal suture [13].
- Maintain the finger in extension and apply a compressive dressing post-operatively [13].
- Support the finger with a volar splint for post-operative comfort and to avoid reinjury in the recovery period [13].
- Sutures are removed at 10 to 14 days post-operatively [13].
- The distal joint is maintained in extension, with the Kirschner wire protected by a small metal splint, for 4 weeks post-operatively [13].
- The Kirschner wire is removed after 4 to 6 weeks post-operatively [13].
- The repair is protected with a splint for 8 weeks post-operatively [13].
- Normal activities are progressively resumed after the post-operative protocol [13].
Complications
- Delayed surgical management of bony mallet fingers demonstrated minimal complications [2].
- Conservative management of neglected tendinous mallet finger injuries (2 to 4 weeks) is associated with low long-term complication rates [12].
- Large-fragment mallet finger cases managed conservatively have low complication rates [5].
- Surgical treatment of acute combined tendon and bone (double level) mallet finger injuries reported no complications such as infection, nonunion, or nail deformity [17].
- The complication rate after operative treatment of mallet fracture was 41% [41].
- The high complication rate in operative treatment of mallet fracture is likely attributable to anatomical factors such as thin extensor tendon and poor blood supply [41].
Recovery
- Delayed surgical management of bony mallet fingers demonstrates adequate functional outcomes with minimal complications compared with prior literature [2].
- Large-fragment mallet finger cases can be effectively managed conservatively with low complication rates [5].
- All cases of mallet finger are proposed to be treated with a dorsal glued splint except for stage IV mallet finger, which is treated with extra-articular pinning [9].
- Early recognition of tendon rupture injuries and referrals to a hand surgeon are crucial to avoid long-term disability [11].
- Surgical treatment of acute combined tendon and bone (double level) mallet finger injuries using pullout wire fixation with distal interphalangeal joint Kirschner wire stabilization reports good to excellent long-term results with no reported complications such as infection, nonunion, or nail deformity [17].
- Mallet finger injuries are frequent in football and difficult to treat during the competitive season, often requiring delayed treatment or internal splinting [19].
- Supplemental night splinting does not improve the outcome of mallet finger in terms of extensor lag, disability, or satisfaction with treatment [22].
- The Fowler procedure is the safest and most effective reconstructive measure for chronic mallet finger deformity after phalangeal fracture, offering less morbidity than osteotomy or procedures restraining proximal interphalangeal joint extension [44].
Key Evidence
- [L4] Absolute indications for surgical intervention for mallet fingers in this population remain unclear. [1] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.03.037)
- [L4] Delayed surgical management of bony mallet fingers demonstrated adequate functional outcome with minimal complications when compared with prior literature. [2] (10.1177/1558944719840749)
- [L4] Both surgical and nonsurgical treatments of mallet finger injuries lead to excellent clinical outcomes. [3] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.10.004)
- [L5] Today most authorities splint only the distal joint for mallet finger deformities. [4] (10.1016/s0749-0712(21)00059-7)
- [L4] Complication rates were low, suggesting that large-fragment mallet finger cases can be effectively managed conservatively. [5] (10.1186/s12891-026-09787-w)
- [L5] Most mallet finger injuries can be managed non-surgically with splinting, although surgery is occasionally recommended for acute or chronic cases or for salvage of failed prior treatment. [6] (10.1007/s11552-014-9609-y)
- [L3] The role of surgery for mallet fractures of the thumb remains unclear due to their uncommon nature and favorable radiographic findings. [7] (10.1177/1558944716672192)
- [L1] After a mallet-finger injury treated within two weeks by either method few patients have significant persistent disability. [8] (10.1016/s0072-968x(82)80011-9)
- [L5] The authors propose to treat all cases of mallet finger with a dorsal glued splint except for stage IV mallet finger, which they treat with extra-articular pinning. [9] (10.5999/aps.2016.43.2.134)
- [L4] Early recognition of these injuries and referrals to a hand surgeon for treatment are crucial to avoid longterm disability. [11] (10.1016/j.hcl.2012.05.042)
- [L3] Conservative management of tendinous mallet finger injuries that have been neglected for 2 to 4 weeks can be treated as well as those injuries in patients presenting within the first 2 weeks of injury with low long-term complication rates. [12] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.06.140)
- [L2] The study recommends this splint as an alternative means of treating mallet finger. [14] (10.1136/emj.10.3.244)
- [L1] There was insufficient evidence from comparisons tested within randomised controlled trials to establish the relative effectiveness of different, either custom-made or off-the-shelf, finger splints used for treating mallet finger injury. [15] (10.1002/14651858.cd004574.pub2)
- [L4] Although surgery is generally indicated in the case of mallet fractures involving more than one-third of the articular surface as well as in all patients who develop volar subluxation of the distal phalanx, a significant advantage of surgical management even in those complicated cases has yet to be clearly proven. [16] (10.1177/1558944716642763)
- [L4] The study describes a surgical technique for acute combined tendon and bone mallet fingers and reports good to excellent long-term results with no reported complications such as infection, nonunion, or nail deformity in the series. [17] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.11.011)
- [L5] Mallet finger injuries are frequent in football and difficult to treat during the competitive season, often requiring delayed treatment or internal splinting. [19] (10.1016/j.hcl.2012.05.043)
- [L4] This case raises a question regarding the possible role of biochemical abnormalities causing mallet fingers. [20] (10.1177/175899830400900103)
- [L2] Approximately 50% of patients with a mallet fracture involving more than one-third of the articular surface of the distal phalanx do not progress to subluxation of the DIP joint; fracture size and time to application of finger immobilizer are independent risk factors for the development of DIP joint subluxation in mallet fracture. [21] (10.1177/1753193414554556)
- [L1] Supplemental night splinting does not improve the outcome of mallet finger in terms of extensor lag, disability, or satisfaction with treatment. [22] (10.1007/s11552-013-9600-z)
- [L4] Hand therapists implement a diverse range of clinical skills to optimise outcome success. [23] (10.1177/1758998316664822)
- [L4] A hand therapist can treat type 1 mallet finger injuries as effectively as a surgeon. [24] (10.1197/j.jht.2008.04.002)
- [Paper] This method seems to be a new reliable alternative in the treatment of chronic mallet finger. [25] (10.1016/j.injury.2013.01.013)
- [L4] The clinical efficacy of the proposed method of elastic taping for the treatment of mallet finger injuries remains to be tested vigorously. [27] (10.1016/j.jht.2014.02.005)
- [L4] Mallet deformity accounts for a minority of sporting injuries, but excellent functional outcome can be achieved with splintage and avoidance of the causative sport while splinted. [28] (10.1054/jhsb.2000.0484)
- [L4] Uncomplicated cases of mallet injuries are best treated by splinting therapy; cases that do not react to splinting therapy are best treated by surgical interventions. [29] (10.1097/prs.0b013e3181ef8ec8)
- [L5] Surgical management may be considered for acute and chronic mallet lesions in patients who have failed nonsurgical treatment, are unable to work with the splint in position, or have a fracture involving more than one third of the joint surface. [30] (10.5435/00124635-200509000-00007)
- [L4] This article provides a topical review of the contemporary literature concerning acute mallet finger injuries and proposes a modification to the Doyle classification to make it more encompassing and less prone to interobserver error. [31] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.10.013)
- [L4] A hand therapist can treat mallet finger injuries of type 1 as effectively as a surgeon, with a method of immobilisation that offers practically no complications regarding skin condition. [32] (10.1177/175899830501000103)
- [L4] Scar overlapping suture for treating chronic tendinous mallet finger in children is safe and effective. [33] (10.1186/s13018-019-1106-0)
- [L4] The interrater reliability of the Kellgren & Lawrence and OARSI classification systems for post-traumatic osteoarthritis in the distal interphalangeal joint after mallet finger fractures is considerably lower than initially assumed. [36] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2024.03.012)
- [L3] The modified Mallet classification demonstrated strong to excellent agreement and interrater reliability across face-to-face, live tele-assessment, and video-based conditions, suggesting it is appropriate for remote medical follow-up. [37] (10.1177/17531934231196118)
- [L3] Non-operative management of mallet fractures, regardless of fracture classification, joint congruence or pre-existing degenerate change in the DIP joint, is safe and yields predictably good outcomes in most patients. [38] (10.1177/1753193421992986)
- [L4] The complication rate after operative treatment of mallet fracture was 41%, likely attributable to anatomical factors such as thin extensor tendon and poor blood supply. [41] (10.1054/jhsb.2000.0440)
- [Case_report] The Fowler procedure was the safest and most effective reconstructive measure for this chronic mallet finger deformity, offering less morbidity than osteotomy or procedures restraining proximal interphalangeal joint extension. [44] (10.2106/00004623-197759040-00019)
- [L5] The TT is the primary structure responsible for extending the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, while adjacent retinacular structures provide stability. [46] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2004.04.022)
- [L5] Palmar subluxation of a DIP joint without preexisting arthritic deformity is expected when more than one half of the dorsal articular surface is injured. [47] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2007.09.006)
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