Treatment of old mallet finger by folding palmaris longus tendon and pulling out wire technique

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of folding palmaris longus tendon and pulling out wire technique in the treatment of old mallet finger. Methods From June 2010 to June 2017, 19 cases (19 fingers) of old mallet fingers with extensor tendon and insertion defects were treated. The palmaris longus tendon was dissociated and folded, and the extensor tendon was repaired and the extensor tendon insertion was reconstructed by pulling out wire technique. Results All the wounds achieved primary healing after operation. The follow-up time ranged from 3 to 18 months with an average of 6 months. According to the Patel evaluation system for mallet finger, the results were rated as excellent in 7 cases, good in 9 cases, fair in 2 cases and poor in 1 case. Conclusion The method of folding palmaris longus tendon and pulling out wire technique for the treatment of old mallet finger is simple in material, simple in operation, good recovery of finger function and satisfactory in clinical efficacy. Key words: Tendon injuries; Treatment outcome; Transplantation; Mallet finger