The evaluation of use tenodermodesis procedure with fixation of distal interphalangeal joint in extension position by kirschner wire in management of delayed mallet finger

Abstract EN

Objective : to evaluate the validity of tenodermodesis with fixation of distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint in extension position by kirschner wire(k.

wire) in management of delayed cases of mallet finger.

Methods : this study was conducted on 30 patients in Al-Diwanyia teaching hospital who were complaining from dropping of distal phalanx (mallet finger) and presented after 10 days from the time of injury, they underwent surgery by tenodermodesis procedure and fixation of DIP joint in extension position by k.

wire.

The time of study was between 2008 and 2010 and followed up for a period for 1 year.

The patients were evaluated according : Sex and age, wether the injured hand was right or left, the finger that commonly injured, average delay before presentation, type of trauma, extensor lag at presentation and radiograph : x-ray AP and lateral views for injured finger to see If there is bone avulsion or volar subluxation of distal phalanx.

We excluded the open injuries with soft tissue loss and injuries associated with fractures greater than one third of articular surface from the study.

Conclusion : we conclude that delayed cases of mallet fingers can be managed with tenodermodesis procedure with fixation of DIP joint in extension position by k.

wire with no joint problems like (stiffness or deviation), accepted flexion ability, negligible extension lag and good patients satisfaction at 1 years follow up.