SEARCH · Search PubMed
Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
Mallet finger injuries are commonly seen in the emergency room and the treatment is usually simple, consisting of extension splinting of the DIP joint. The hyperextension mallet finger is a rare variant. The diagnosis can be made if the fracture fragment involves more than 50% of the joint surface. For this injury splinting is inadequate and open reduction is the treatment of choice.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
A prospective trial of mallet-finger injuries treated conservatively by elastic double-finger bandage showed no disadvantages compared to other kinds of conservative treatment. The method is agreeable for the patient, being hygienic and causing no kind of skin irritation.
BACKGROUND: Mallet finger, also called drop or baseball finger, is where the end of a finger cannot be actively straightened out due to injury of the extensor tendon mechanism. Treatment commonly involves splintage of the finger for six or more weeks. Less frequently, surgical fixation is used to correct the deformity. OBJECTIVES: To examine the evidence for the relative effectiveness of different methods of treating mallet finger injuries. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Injuries Group trials register (November 2003), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 1, 2004), MEDLINE (1966 to February week 2 2004), EMBASE (1988 to 2004 week 8), other databases, reference lists of articles and various conference proceedings. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised or quasi-randomised clinical trials evaluating different interventions, including no intervention, for treating mallet finger injuries. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently performed study selection, quality assessment and data extraction. Study authors were contacted for additional information. MAIN RESULTS: Four trials were included. These involved a total of 278, mainly adult, participants with 283 mallet finger injuries. All four trials were methodologically flawed, including inadequate outcome assessment. Three trials compared different types of finger splints versus a standard Stack splint. One trial found a lower incidence of treatment failure in participants treated with a perforated custom-made splint. One trial found there were fewer complications in participants treated with a padded aluminium-alloy malleable finger splint; however, the incidence of treatment failure was similar in the two treatment groups. One trial evaluating the Abouna splint found a similar incidence of treatment failure in the two groups. However, the Abouna splint often needed replacing due to disintegration of its rubber cover and rusting of the exposed wires and was also less popular with participants. The fourth trial found no statistically significant differences between participants whose mallet finger was treated with Kirschner wire fixation and those with a Pryor and Howard splint. Similar numbers had complications in the two groups. REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS: There was insufficient evidence from comparisons tested within randomised trials to establish the relative effectiveness of different, either custom-made or off-the-shelf, finger splints used for treating mallet finger injury. There was a useful reminder that splints used for prolonged immobilisation should be robust enough for everyday use, and of the central importance of patient adherence to instructions for splint use. There was insufficient evidence to determine when surgery is indicated.
Family physicians can manage most finger injuries, including uncomplicated fractures, proximal interphalangeal joint dislocations, closed tendon injuries and ligament sprains. Finger injuries that can cause long-term morbidity may present as minor sprains. Diagnosis requires a thorough history, systematic examination and radiographic evaluation.
A splint for finger injuries is constructed using a paperclip and tape. It is inexpensive, compact, and simple to make. Underlying lacerations are readily accessible, and there is minimal interference with neighboring digits. Furthermore, it provides effective dynamic extension splinting for interphalangeal injuries.
Mallet finger injury, ligamentous sprain and dislocation of proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of fingers are very common types of simple hand injuries. Immediate correction of alignment and protection of the injured area will facilitate early joint movement while maximising functional recovery. This article is to introduce the fabrication of three simple finger splints to tackle these injuries for quick and effective conservative treatment. They are the mallet finger splint, buddy splint and dorsal finger block splint. The indications and functions of the three types of splints are discussed. The fabrication process will be illustrated; including materials needed, pattern drafting and steps of molding. Wearing regime and precautions will be highlighted to ensure effective patient compliance to splinting programme for the finger injuries.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
OBJECTIVE: To understand the epidemiology, sites, and mechanism of finger injuries in children and to consider safety measures. SETTING: Accident and emergency department of a children's hospital in Glasgow. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out with a specifically designed questionnaire. Altogether 283 children presenting with isolated finger injuries were identified over six months. Available safety measures to avoid or reduce damage from such injuries were considered. RESULTS: Finger injuries were common (38%) in those under 5 years. Most of these occurred at home (59%), commonly (48%) because of jamming between two closeable opposing surfaces, and mostly (79%) in doors at home and school. The doors were commonly (85%) closed by someone and often (60%) by a child. Sixteen (6%) were treated for amputation. CONCLUSION: Finger injuries are common, especially at the preschool age, and are mostly caused by jammed fingers in doors, at home. Safeguards should be considered according to location, like home or institutions, and expense.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Three multiple-finger degloving injuries were successfully resurfaced with thin abdominal flaps. This method offers immediate total wound coverage in multiple-finger degloving injuries.
AIM: To determine the value of high-resolution ultrasound in the evaluation of finger injuries and changes due to strain in the fingers of extreme rock climbers. METHODS: High-frequency ultrasound was performed on 208 fingers of 52 extreme rock climbers (mean age: 29.7 yrs) and on 80 fingers of 20 healthy volunteers (mean age: 28.5 yrs). The following parameters were sonographically assessed: thickness of the pulley-system A2, distance between phalanx and tendon (PS distance), gliding ability of the flexor tendons, and the periarticular and peri-tendinous space. The examination was performed on the handling in a supinated position with extended fingers, followed by active and passive flexion of about 40 degrees. All climbers also underwent clinical examination. RESULTS: The pulley-system of climbers showed a significantly increased thickness of 0.17 (+/- 0.09) cm compared with the healthy volunteers (p < 0.001). PS-distances of up to 0.51 (+/- 0.15) cm were found only in symptomatic climbers and proved to be a sign of tendon bow-stringing. No impairment of gliding ability was seen in both groups. Tendon sheath cysts were detected in 76% (62) of symptomatic fingers of the climbers. CONCLUSIONS: Non-invasive high-resolution ultrasound examination of fingers proved to be a very helpful method for diagnosing changes due to strain as well as finger injuries in rock climbers, especially in cases where the clinical examination was difficult to perform.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Improper diagnosis and treatment of finger injuries can cause deformity and dysfunction over time. A basic understanding of the complex anatomy of the finger and of common tendon and ligament injury mechanisms can help physicians properly diagnose and treat finger injuries. Evaluation includes a general musculoskeletal examination as well as radiography (oblique, anteroposterior, and true lateral views). Splinting and taping are effective treatments for tendon and ligament injuries. Treatment should restrict the motion of injured structures while allowing uninjured joints to remain mobile. Although family physicians are usually the first to evaluate patients with finger injuries, it is important to recognize when a referral is needed to ensure optimal outcomes.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Forty-one patients with trapped finger injuries, 50% of whom were three years of age or younger, were studied. All patients were treated with a conservative regimen, and a satisfactory result in terms of the appearance and function was achieved in 95% of patients, thus eliminating the need for more complex surgical procedures. In the paediatric age group, a secure dressing is imperative for the satisfactory union of tissue. Such a regimen eliminates the need for hospital admission and general anaesthesia, and, in terms of the final result, supports the hypothesis that, in the very young, a certain amount of regeneration occurs to compensate for lost tissue.