Open reduction and screw fixation of mallet fractures.
Twelve patients with mallet fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation with small screws were reviewed at an average of 31 months after surgery. The indication for surgery was a fracture involving more than one-third of the distal phalanx articular surface or with subluxation of the distal interphalangeal joint. Loss of reduction occurred in one patient and in another one screw loosened slightly without loss of reduction. There were no nail deformities, infections, or secondary procedures. The mean range of motion was from 6 degrees (range, 0-30 degrees ) (extensor lag) to 70 degrees (range, 60-90 degrees ) flexion. Ten patients had no evidence of degenerative changes, one had minor joint space narrowing and one had significant deformity. Open reduction and screw fixation with small screws can lead to satisfactory outcome in appropriate patients.
Gulf Coast Orthopaedics and Rheumatology, Pensacola, Florida, USA and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. skronlage@yahoo.com
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome