The results of treatment of mallet finger.

Mallet finger is the deformity caused by a tear of the extensor expansion from its attachment to the base of the terminal phalanx. Sometimes there is an associated fracture caused by avulsion of a small triangular fragment of bone. The terminal phalanx is flexed and the power of active extension is lost, and there may be a secondary hyperextension of the proximal interphalangeal joint due to the exertion of the full power of the extensor mechanism of this joint. The method of treatment generally recommended for a mallet finger, particularly if it is seen within a few days of injury, is immobilisation by a plaster splint in the position of hyperextension of the distal joint and flexion of the proximal joint for four to six weeks. The impression created is that the immediate results of this treatment are good (Smillie 1937, Watson-Jones 1940). The present review was carried out to assess the long-term results of treatment, and in particular to determine whether or not freedom from disability and restoration offull movement were achieved.