title: Treatment of mallet finger due to intra-articular fracture of the distal phalanx.
abstract: When a mallet finger deformity results from an intra-articular fracture of the distal phalanx comprising more than one third of the articular surface, an accurate reduction of this fracture is necessary to prevent secondary degenerative arthritis. A technique for open reduction is described in which the distal interphalangeal joint is exposed by dividing the extensor tendon and permitting a precise reduction of the fracutre fragment. Elective division of the extensor tendon had not compromised the results.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006227:Hand Deformities, Acquired / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans