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

ABSTRACT

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.