THE EXTENSION BLOCK K-WIRE TECHNIQUE IN THE TREATMENT OF MALLET FINGER FRACTURE

Abstract

The authors report their results of “extension-block Kirschner wire fixation” for the treatment of mallet finger fracture. This technique should be considered in presence of a large bone fragment involving more than the 30% of the articular surface, with or without palmar subluxation of the distal phalanx. A modification of the extension-block technique is described reducing the fragment to 0° extension of the distal interphalangeal joint. The results confirmed the better outcomes of this modification, minimizing the postoperative extension lag at the distal interphalangeal joint. The Wehbe and Schneider method was used to classify the mallet finger fractures and the results were graded according to Crawford’s criteria (66,6% excellent and 33,4% good). The extension-block K wire technique, when properly applied, is a very helpful procedure avoiding the risks and complications of the open surgery and achieving a good indirect anatomical reduction of the fracture.