Treatment of mallet fracture by extension block pinning

This is a retrospective study reviewing 19 patients with mallet treated by extension block pinning method between 2013-2016. By Wehbe and Schneider and Doyle’s classification 13 cases of type IIB, 4 of IIC and 1 case each of IB and IC.15 were treated acutely and 4 subacutely and followed up for a mean period of 20.13 weeks. We obtained 11 excellent results, 4 good result and 4 fair outcomes by Crawford’s outcome score. No correlation was noted between the functional outcome when compared with respect to age, sex, acute and subacute cases. We found a statistically significant correlation was found between late removal of k-wire and flexion loss but extension was unaffected by the time of K-wire removal. There was one case with superficial pin tract infection and in 4 cases skin maceration was noted over the dorsal skin. This is a useful technique in management of mallet when presented within 3 weeks duration.