Background
This review aims to establish the current trends in the management of mallet finger injuries. Practices vary widely from institution to institution as there is no clear-cut guideline on which intervention is preferred. Case studies and past literature reviews from 2015 onwards were analyzed to assess for a general trend in the treatment of mallet finger injury as well as to analyze associated risks with each approach. It was found that surgical intervention, with closed reduction percutaneous k-wire fixation as the most utilized method, is generally favored in most circumstances due to compliance issues associated with splinting and a better degree of improvement in extensor lag as compared to non-operative intervention.

Case Presentation
Upon review of the literature, it was found that operative intervention of the closed mallet finger injury resulted in a shorter immobilization period of 4.9 weeks compared to splinting which had a much longer immobilization average of 9.5 weeks. The mean extension lag was significantly better in patients in surgical treatment groups as compared to conservative treatment groups and also had a better extension of the DIP joint by 11.7 º. Specifically, the conservatively treated group had an extensor lag of 13.8º while the surgically treated group had an extensor lag of 2.1º. Within operative intervention, K-wire (Kirschner Wire) was a popular choice among surgeons because of the minimally invasive fixation achieved with closed reduction.

Discussion
Overall, surgical intervention with K-wire pinning seems to be the predominating trend when considering treatment for mallet finger injuries. Surgical intervention is preferred by surgeons for all cases of mallet finger regardless of the degree of articular surface involved because of the ease of patient compliance, cosmetic reasons, and quicker restoration of function for the patient. Operative intervention was also shown to present with decreased extensor lag delay, higher patient comfort levels as compared to patients who underwent non-surgical interventions, and also avoids the prospect of having to revisit the injury if it failed conservative intervention via splinting.

Current Trends In Operative Intervention Of Mallet FInger Injuries

Clinical and Translational Research 1

technical paper

Welcome to the largest national, multi-specialty research event **featuring research from 750 medical students, residents and fellows, and international medical graduates.**


#### Event Details
The 2022 American Medical Association Research Challenge includes a poster symposium hall and a semifinals hall with the top scored research. Log in at any time throughout the event to:
* **View posters and presentations** on a variety of topics and specialties
* **Score posters in the semifinals** to help decide the top five finalists (AMA member exclusive opportunity)
* **Connect with participants** and provide feedback to help advance their research

At the conclusion of this event, the AMA will announce the top five finalists who will advance to the AMA Research Challenge finals, present their research to an elite panel of judges and compete to win a $10,000 grand prize sponsored by Laurel Road.
 

#### Attend Live Forums
**Oct. 20, 6 — 7 p.m. Central**
 **How to plan a career in academic medicine** 
 Learn how to plan a career in academic medicine and get your questions answered. [Access Here](https://underline.io/events/363/lounge)
 
 **Speakers**
![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/d5adb133dfc58eb0a6d469e9cedcd5d4.jpg)
Ricardo Correa, MD, EdD
![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/5f9437ab87861538bf02b9ca7c0d926e.jpg)
Stuart M. Greenstein, MD
![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/05b1b637c99286d558c371f8e8b185ce.jpg)
Stephanie Strohbeen, MD
 
 **Oct. 22, 11 a.m. — Noon Central**
 **How to get published**
 Learn tips to get your research published and get your questions answered. [Access Here](https://underline.io/events/363/lounge)
 
 **Speakers**
![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/8ce6235e957d31cb5e6f9097cc6f6972.jpg)
Jessica Li, MD/PhD Candidate
![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/9950ef2e0237f54cb3d8280334d42491.jpg)
Charles Lopresto, DO

### Sponsor
AMA would like to thank Laurel Road for sponsoring a $10,000 grand prize for the winner of the AMA Research Challenge. Laurel Road is not involved in the judging or scoring process to select the winner. The winner will be announced on Dec. 7 during the AMA Research Challenge finals. Payment of the grand prize will be directly from Laurel Road. See the AMA Research Challenge Official Rules for terms and conditions.

![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/611e331d4a0eba0920f240cfc04b4d77.png)

**There is no registration fee for this event! **

Register to explore research in a variety of topics. AMA members get exclusive access to score posters in the semifinals.

**Please use the link below to register for free if you have not already done so:**

https://www.ama-assn.org/about/events/ama-research-challenge

Registration Is Required

AMA Research Challenge 2022

Welcome to the largest national, multi-specialty research event featuring research from 750 medical students, residents and fellows, and international medical graduates.


Aashi Verma

1

3

SHORT BIO

Presentations

Current Trends In Operative Intervention Of Mallet FInger Injuries

Stay up to date with the latest Underline news!

PRESENTATIONS

CONFERENCES

COMPANY

RESOURCES