MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE BONY MALLET FINGER BY MICRO PLATE FIXATION

Authors

Orthopedic dept., Sohag Faculty of Medicine, Sohag, Egypt

Abstract

Hyperflexion of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint or axial tension can cause the extensor terminal band to rupture or the distal phalanx to avulse, leading to Mallet finger. The aim of this work was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of bony mallet finger treated with Micro Plate. Methods: This randomized prospective clinical trial involved 20 patients with acute bony mallet finger injuries affecting more than one-third of the distal phalanx articular surface or presenting with volar subluxation of the distal phalanx. Results: The study group had a mean age of 35.40 ± 10.04 years and included a higher proportion of males. There were no significant differences among occupations. The group demonstrated mean operative time (40.05 ± 0.83 minutes). Functional evaluation showed Quick DASH score (3.15 ± 0.75, p < 0.001), suggesting favorable hand function. Range of motion (ROM) at the MCP, PIP, and DIP joints was well preserved. The mean fracture union time was (6.00 ± 0.46 weeks, p < 0.001). Although the complication rate reached 20%, 75% of the patients achieved excellent clinical outcomes (p = 0.043), indicating overall effectiveness of micro plate fixation. Conclusions: Micro plate fixation appears to be an effective treatment option for acute bony mallet finger injuries, particularly when the goal is to achieve optimal functional results.

Keywords

Egyptian Journal of Orthopedic Research
Volume 5, Issue 2
September 2025
Pages 61-69

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