Efficacy of Tenodermodesis Method in Chronic Mallet Finger Surgery

Abstract

Purpose: Hammertoe is an injury that usually results from partial or complete rupture of the terminal insertion of the extensor tendon distal to the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. It is usually caused by forced bending of the DIP joint. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of tenodermodesis surgery in chronic mallet finger injury. Materials and Methods: 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 had no pain and had excellent and good scores after the procedure. No postop complication was reported. Conclusion: Tenodermodesis method is a curative surgery technic with a high success outcome rate for chronic tendinous mallet finger deformity.

Keywords

• mallet finger
• tenodermodesis
• chronic injury
• surgery