Treatment of bony mallet finger using threaded Kirschner wire

Objectives: The management of bony mallet fingers is controversial. This article describes the technique and outcome of using threaded Kirschner wire to treat mallet fractures involving more than one-third of the articular surface.Methods: Forty-seven patients were operated on between April 2004 and February 2012. The average follow-up period was 19.6 (range: 8 to 44) months.Results: According to the Crawford criteria, the results were excellent in 32 patients (69%), good in 12 patients (26%) and fair in 3 patients (6%). The mean range of motion was from 3° (extensor lag) (range: 0 and deg; to 15 and deg;) to 71° (range: 60 and deg; to 80 and deg;) flexion. As complications, five patients developed mild degenerative changes, three had pin tract infections, one had temporary nail ridging, and three had skin sloughing. None had persistent postoperative pain.Conclusion: Threaded Kirschner wire achieved good reduction during surgery and maintained reduction postoperatively for six weeks in mallet fractures. [Hand Microsurg 2013; 2(1.000): 1-5