Mallet fractures.

Contrary to our observations, reports in the literature maintain that only a third of mallet finger deformities are caused by intra-articular fractures of the posterior margin of the distal phalanx. As functional impairment sometimes remains after treatment, there is still much discussion as to the relative merits of conservative and surgical management of this lesion. This article presents 21 cases of mallet finger deformities with fracture of the distal phalanx, of which 17 received surgical treatment. The operative technique is described, followed by a discussion of the results.