Conservative management of chronic mallet finger.
Ten cases of chronic mallet fingers that were 4 to 18 weeks old were treated conservatively by immobilization of the distal interphalangeal joint in extension for 8 continuous weeks and for 2 more weeks at night. With a stringent rating system, there were five excellent, four good, and one fair end result. Two patients had recurrence of the deformity within a week after treatment, and both fully recovered after 8 weeks of further splinting. Splinting is a predictable, safe, and simple method of treatment for chronic mallet fingers.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers; D006227:Hand Deformities, Acquired / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D013165:Splints