title: Pressing fixation of mallet finger fractures with the end of a K-wire (a new fixation technique for mallet fractures).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate a surgical technique for the treatment of mallet finger fractures using a K-wire stabilization of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint and another K-wire pressing the bone fragment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between June 2007 and March 2014, 41 patients (28 men, 13 women) with isolated closed mallet finger fracture were treated using two K-wires. In the cohort, the mean joint surface involvement was 44.3% (range: 28-62%). With a mean period of 23.6 months, patient follow-up lasted 13-34 months. The fingers were evaluated for loss of extension and flexion of the (DIP) joints. The results were graded using Crawford's criteria.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Union of all fractures took place at an average of 5.5 weeks after the surgical procedure. Average extension lag was 4°, and active flexion 71°. According to the Crawford rating scale, 35 fingers were excellent, four were good, one was fair, and one was poor.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pressing fixation of the bone fragment with the end of a K-wire was a useful technique in the treatment of mallet finger fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Therapeutic IV.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Second Hospital of Tangshan, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Wenlong
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Second Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Xu
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Second Hospital of Tangshan, Hebei, People's Republic of China. Electronic address: zhaog9998@126.com.
authors.forename: Gang
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Second Hospital of Tangshan, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Shunhong
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Second Hospital of Tangshan, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Zhiliang
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Yu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001864:Bone Wires; D005260:Female; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006227:Hand Deformities, Acquired / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Bony mallet finger; Fragment; K-wire; Pressing fixation; Surgical treatment