Soft tissue 'mallet' injury to the hallux.
We describe a case of a delayed presentation of a traumatic soft tissue mallet injury to the distal phalanx of the hallux in a teenager. Reports of this rare injury are sparse and there is no consensus in their treatment. This injury was treated with open repair of the tendon using a Mitek suture anchor, and stabilization with a 1.2-mm K-wire and extension splinting for 8 weeks. Following this treatment, she regained full power and a range of movement compared with the contralateral side, and achieved full function. We advocate surgical reconstruction of these injuries with suture anchors and stabilization of the interphalangeal joint.
Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 2JY, UK mikekent@doctors.org.uk.
Mike Jr
MJ
Kent
Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 2JY, UK.
Claire
C
Harding
Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 2JY, UK.
Sean
S
Walsh