Extension block pining for treatment of bony mallet finger

The goal of this report is to show our results with extension block technique for treatment of mallet fracture. The indications for this technique were the presence of a large bone fragment, and palmar subluxation. We retrospectively assessed the results of treatment in 14 mallet fractures which have been treated by extension block technique to determine the range of motion in distal interphalangeal joint and associated complications. According to the Crawford criteria there were 6 excellent, 4 good and 4 fair results. At an average follow-up period of 19 months, the average extension lag and the average final active flexion of distal interphalangeal joint were 6° and 54° respectively. We have found that this technique effective and minimally invasive and it does not disrupt the remaining extensor mechanism. This technique requires percutaneous transarticular pin, which does not allow early joint mobilization and requires meticulous pin care with regular dressings. In our opinion, joint transfixation is probably the commonest reason for incomplete restoration of the joint range of motion.