title: Internal suture for mallet finger fracture.
abstract: An internal suture technique has been used for mallet finger fractures involving at least 30% of the articular surface. It provides fixation without a button or transfixion of the fragment. An independent retrospective review was conducted of ten patients at a mean follow-up of 17 months. Mean visual analogue score (0 to 10) for pain was 2.4 and satisfaction 7.9. Mean active range of motion was 13 to 49 degrees, passive motion was 2 to 56 degrees, pinch strength of effected finger to thumb was 3.8 kgf (81% of the opposite finger), grip strength 37.9 kgf (95% of the opposite hand). All fractures united and there were no neuromas. Complications included two nail deformities, a superficial infection and a pin track infection. One patient with a crush injury continued to have pain despite an arthrodesis.
authors.affiliation: Modbury Public Hospital, and the University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bauze
authors.forename: G I
authors.initials: GI
authors.lastname: Bain
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013536:Suture Techniques