Treatment of mallet finger due to intra-articular fracture of the distal phalanx

When a mallet finger deformity results from an intra-articular fracture of the distal phalanx comprising more than one third of the articular surface, an accurate reduction of this fracture is necessary to prevent secondary degenerative arthritis. A technique for open reduction is described in which the distal interphalangeal joint is exposed by dividing the extensor tendon and permitting a precise reduction of the fracutre fragment. Elective division of the extensor tendon had not compromised the results.