Journal of Musculoskeletal Trauma

Original Articles

Percutaneous Kirschner-wire fixation followed by an opencast to permit protected daily and sports activities in patients with tendinous mallet finger: a case series at a tertiary hospital in Korea: Hyeon Jun Kim, Ji Woong Kim, Min Kyun Cho, Sung Yoon Jung; J Musculoskelet Trauma 2026;39(4):354-364. Published online October 20, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2026.00269

Abstract PDF: Background
Dong-A University Hospital’s protocol for tendinous mallet finger requires 12 weeks of continuous full-time distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint splinting, which may restrict activities and complicate hygiene. This study evaluated the feasibility, short-term safety, and 6-month clinical outcomes of buried Kirschner-wire fixation followed by opencast application.
Methods
This retrospective case series screened 36 patients with mallet finger between January 2024 and October 2025. Twelve met the exclusion criteria, leaving 24 eligible patients; eight elected nonoperative treatment, and 16 chose surgery for acute closed tendinous mallet finger and constituted the study cohort. The DIP joint was fixed in approximately 15° of hyperextension using one or two buried 1.1-mm Kirschner wires. An opencast was applied at 1 week. The wires were routinely removed and active motion was initiated at 8 weeks, followed by a removable brace during outdoor or sports activities for 4 weeks. Outcomes were evaluated at 6 months.
Results
The mean preoperative extension lag was 30.0°. At 6 months, the mean residual extension lag was 1.9°, no flexion loss was observed, and Crawford outcomes were excellent in 62.5% and good in 37.5%. Two superficial pin-site infections resolved with oral antibiotics and local wound care. A separate case of wire loosening with painful subcutaneous prominence was managed with an aluminum splint. All patients resumed daily activities and showering at 1 week, when protected sports were also permitted; exact return dates and activity intensity were not recorded.
Conclusions
Buried Kirschner-wire fixation followed by opencast application may be an option for selected patients who wish to avoid prolonged full-time splinting. The protocol permitted protected activities from week 1 and active DIP motion from week 8; these findings support its feasibility but do not establish earlier return to unrestricted activity. Level of evidence: IV.

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Use of a Distraction Dynamic External Fixator in the Treatment of Comminuted Middle Phalanx Base Fractures: Sang Woo Kim, Chae Chil Lee, Sang Hun Ko, Il Yeong Hwang, Min Seok Kim, Woo Young Jin; J Korean Fract Soc 2019;32(1):1-5. Published online January 31, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2019.32.1.1

PURPOSE
This paper suggests the use of distraction dynamic external fixators (DDEF) for the treatment of proximal middle phalanx fractures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Seven patients, who were diagnosed with comminuted intra-articular fractures at the base of the middle phalanx from February 2014 to November 2016, were enrolled in this study (volar aspect 6 cases, dorsal aspect 1 case). They underwent a closed reduction under a C-arm image intensifier, and DDEF was applied with general anesthesia. Range of motion (ROM) exercise was encouraged after 3 to 5 days postoperatively, and DDEF was removed after 5 weeks. Subluxation, angulation and displacement were evaluated 6 weeks postoperatively.
RESULTS
The patients who were treated with DDEF showed a normal proximal interphalangeal joint ROM (100Â°), and there was no subluxation or displacement on the X-ray film 6 weeks postoperatively. In addition, there were no signs of infection, such as local heat, redness, and pus-like discharge.
CONCLUSION
DDEF helps maintain the reduction and reducing forces through the ligamentotaxis. The joint stiffness is reduced, which it makes early return to daily life easier.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Treatment of Neglected Proximal Interphalangeal Fracture Dislocation Using a Traction Device: A Case Report
Yongun Cho, Jai Hyung Park, Se-Jin Park, Ingyu Lee, Eugene Kim
Journal of the Korean Fracture Society.2019; 32(4): 222. CrossRef

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