Efficacy of Tenodermodesis Method in Chronic Mallet Finger Surgery

Abstract

Objective: To report the efficacy of tenodermodesis surgery on a chronic mallet finger injury.
 Background: Mallet finger is an injury commonly emerging due to a partial or complete rupture of the extensor tendon's terminal insertion distal to the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. Commonly caused by a forced flexion of the DIP joint. 
 Material-Method: A total of 15 patients data was investigated retrospectively. All the patients whose conservative treatment failed and underwent a mallet finger surgery with the tenodermodesis method were included. The technic was slightly modified: Sutures were applied, so they traverse the skin and tendon together after suturing the tendon and capsule.
 Results: The patients were followed up for up to 24 months. All patients had improvements in DIP joint motion. Nine patients reached a full extension of the DIP joint. According to Crawford's criteria, all the patients have no pain and had an excellent and good score after the procedure. No postop complication was reported. 
 Conclusion: Tenodermodesis method a curative surgery technic with a high success outcome rate for chronic tendinous mallet finger deformity.