Open Reduction and K-Wire Fixation for Mallet Finger Fractures

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of open reduction and K-wire fixation in patients with a displaced dorsal intraarticular fracture of the distal phalanx. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 1999 through April 2008, 32 fingers (32 patients) with a mallet finger fracture involving one-third or more of the articular surface and/or a subluxated distal phalanx were included. While maintaining the reduction of the dorsal fracture fragment obtained by open method, two K-wires were introduced to fix the fragments and the third K-wire to fix the distal interphalangeal joint. Clinical results were investigated at an average follow-up of 13 months. RESULTS: Radiologically, solid bony union was observed in all fingers at an average of 6.5 weeks after the operation. The final results showed exellent in 17 patients(53.1%), good in 14 patients(43.8%) and fair in one(3.1%) according to the criteria suggested by Crawford. CONCLUSION: Open reduction and K-wire fixation of the displaced bony mallet fractures is considered as an acceptable surgical method in providing successful bony union and maintenance of joint motion.