A Prospective Analysis of Patient Characteristics Affecting the Outcome of Dorsal Splinting for Soft Tissue Mallet Injuries.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Much has been written about the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue mallet injuries. However, there has been little regarding the characteristics of this injury affecting patients' prognosis. The purpose of this prospective study was to identify factors influencing the outcome of treatment of soft tissue mallet injuries.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with soft tissue mallet injuries were enrolled prospectively in a protocol of dorsal splinting for 6 to 12 weeks, followed by weaning over 2 weeks and then evaluated at 6, 9, and ≥12 months.

Results

Thirty-seven patients (38 digits) completed the study. Treatment success was defined as a final extensor lag of <15° and failure as a final extensor lag of ≥15°. Those failing splint treatment were old

SUBMITTER: Azad A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10617484 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature