title: External fixation for surgical treatment of a mallet finger.
abstract: A new surgical technique is described for the treatment of mallet finger deformity which involves the application of a mini external fixator across the distal interphalangeal joint and resection of a portion of the extensor mechanism. We reviewed 19 patients who were treated with this technique, at a mean follow-up period of 36 (range, 24-48) months. The mean extensor lag was 2 degrees (range, -7 degrees to 13 degrees ) and the mean flexion range was 70 degrees (range, 20 degrees -90 degrees ).
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey. kaleli@uludag.edu.tr
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kaleli
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ozturk
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ersozlu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008904:Miniaturization; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012421:Rupture; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome