Pull-in Suture Technique for the Disinsertion of the Phalangeal Tendon Distal Insertion

PURPOSE: The disinsertion of the phalangeal tendon distal insertion has difficulties in ordinary tenorrhaphy operation for the anatomical features, and still has controversy between non-surgical and surgical management. The purpose of this study is to select treatment for the injury of the phalangeal tendon distal insertion, as we've had a good results from operation treatment with Pull-in suture technique. METHODS: We reviewed the hospital records of 12 patients treated with Pull-in suture technique with disinsertion of the phalangeal extensor or flexor tendon distal insertion from June 2006 to June 2007. Eight patients were involved with the tendon disinsertion without bone fracture, and 4 patients were involved with the fracture of the phalangeal tendon distal insertion site. After removal of the K-wire in week 6, active physical exercises were commenced immediately. The mean follow-up period was 12.4 months. RESULTS: All the patients who had tendon disinsertion with bone fracture had IIB, by Wehbe and Schneider's classification 2, and we evaluated the results comparing the same finger of the other hand according to Crawford's evaluation criteria 5. The nine excellent and three good results were obtained and there were no limitation of motor for the patient who had operation for the rupture of flexor tendon as well. There were no particular complications during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The most important thing for the disinsertion of the phalangeal tendon distal insertion is to maintain an accurate and durable reduction state keeping the tension of tendon. At this point, after removal of the K-wire, the Pull-in suture technique allows accurate realignment of the tendon-bone unit without any specific instrumentation under the more stable state. The Pull-in suture technique seems to be a strong alternative for the treatment of disinsertion of the phalangeal tendon distal insertion, with successful treatment outcome(rapid functional recovery and high patient satisfaction).

Correction of Distal Interphalangeal Joint Extension Lag Using Spiral Oblique Retinacular Ligament Reconstruction

PURPOSE: A lot of surgical techniques were tried to correct extension lag of distal interphalangeal joint. Spiral oblique retinacular ligament reconstruction is the one of correction techniques. METHODS: From January 2004 to January 2005, a total of 13 extension lag of distal interphalangeal joint corrections were performed using spiral oblique retinacular ligament reconstruction for 11 patients. After dorsal incision exposing from base of distal phalanx to proximal phalanx, the new ligament(half of lateral band or graft tendon) lies distally at the dorsum of the distal phalanx and passes volarly and proximally along the side of the middle phalanx and anterior and obliquely across the front of the proximal interphalangeal joint to the opposite side of the digit at the proximal phalanx. RESULTS: 5 of 6 mallet finger deformities and 7 swan neck deformities were corrected, which were both extension lag of distal interphalangeal joint and hyperextension of proximal interphalangeal joint. CONCLUSION: As a result, spiral oblique retinacular ligament reconstruction is an effective and recommendable method for correction of mallet finger deformity and swan neck deformity.

The Surgical Treatment of the Mallet Finger Deformity Due to Extensor Tendon Injury in Children / 대한정형외과학회잡지

To define the effectiveness of surgical management of the mallet finger deformity due to extensor tendon injury in children, we analyzed 9 patients who had operative treatment of mallet finger deformity in children from Jan. 1994 to Mar. 1997. The types of tendon injury in this series were as follows: 7 cases with tendon laceration, 1 case with crushing injury and 1 case with unknown injury The average period of follow up were ranged 2 years and 1 month. The clinical results were evaluated hy Kanies seale12) and Crawford scale5). An excellent result was obtained in 4 cases(44%), a good result in 5 cases(56%) according to Crawford scale and excellnt result in 9 cases(I00%) in Kanies scale, consecutively. Meticulous surgical repair of the lacerated tendon provided good result.