title: [Resection of the central slip in treatment of longstanding mallet fingers (Fowler's technique). Apropos of 8 cases].
abstract: Tenotomy of the central slip of the extensor retinaculum over the proximal interphalangeal region was performed in 8 cases longstanding, flexible mallet fingers. This technique gave 6 excellent results, with one complete correction of the PIP and DIP deformities, and 2 partial results (residual distal defects of 5 and 10 degrees) without any reduction in flexion and without any complications, in particular no boutonnière syndrome. The two incomplete results were observed in two patients in whom the preoperative DIP deformities exceeded 50 degrees, a value which the authors consider to be the limit for the choice of this method. This simple (no postoperative immobilisation) technique is reliable in precise indications which are discussed here. It should take its place together with tenodermodeses and more ambitious but more complicated reconstructions such as reconstruction of the spiral retinacular ligament described by Littler.
authors.affiliation: Département de Chirurgie de la Main, Clinique Mutualiste de Nantes.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Chaise
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers; D006226:Hand Deformities / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D013710:Tendons / Q000601:surgery
vernacular_title: Place de la résection de la bandelette médiane dans le traitement des doigts en maillets anciens (technique de Fowler). A propos de huit cas.