Soft tissue 'mallet' injury to the hallux

Abstract

We describe a case of a delayed presentation of a traumatic soft tissue mallet injury to the distal phalanx of the hallux in a teenager. Reports of this rare injury are sparse and there is no consensus in their treatment. This injury was treated with open repair of the tendon using a Mitek suture anchor, and stabilization with a 1.2-mm K-wire and extension splinting for 8 weeks. Following this treatment, she regained full power and a range of movement compared with the contralateral side, and achieved full function. We advocate surgical reconstruction of these injuries with suture anchors and stabilization of the interphalangeal joint.

Mallet hallux injury with extensor tendon rupture and avulsion fracture

“…Both isolated tendinous and bony mallet toe are often seen in sport-or work-related injuries; however, a combination is uncommon. MHI is rare, and treatment options include conservative management using a splint, percutaneous or open Kirschner-wire (kwire) fixation, or suture anchor fixation similar to that used in the mallet finger (2,3). Encountering such an uncommon injury presentation in the operating room can delay the appropriate interventions or even mislead expert surgeons.…”