External fixation for surgical treatment of a mallet finger.

A new surgical technique is described for the treatment of mallet finger deformity which involves the application of a mini external fixator across the distal interphalangeal joint and resection of a portion of the extensor mechanism. We reviewed 19 patients who were treated with this technique, at a mean follow-up period of 36 (range, 24-48) months. The mean extensor lag was 2 degrees (range, -7 degrees to 13 degrees ) and the mean flexion range was 70 degrees (range, 20 degrees -90 degrees ).