P Binhamer | PubMed Health

PubMed1996

Long-term results of splintage for mallet finger.

Splinting of acute mallet finger injury is widely practiced. Few long term studies of the results have been published. We reviewed 156 mallet finger injuries after such treatment at 6 months and 61 months after injury. At six months the mean extension lag was 7 degrees and the mean range of active flexion was 61 degrees. After 61 months the extension lag was 5 degrees and active flexion was unchanged. In light of the above we do not consider routine long term follow of mallet finger injury to be necessary after treatment with splintage.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Thumb reconstruction by micro-vascular techniques.

Sixty-three patients with thumb reconstruction by total or partial toe transfer have been reviewed. Mean age was 25 years. Males (84%) and manual workers (76%) dominated the series. The rate of failure was 3%. Second toe transfer gave a functionally acceptable thumb with 10 mm two point discrimination, 59% of strength in pinching (compared to normal side), 30 degrees of range of flexion but with a flessum deformity (average 27 degrees) and a poor cosmesis score (1.5 on a 5 point scale). Partial toe transfers were useful in amputations at metacarpophalangeal (MP) level and distal to this area. Around MP level, three techniques were available: wrap around, Twisted Two Toes and "bipolar" lengthening. More distally a "custom made" transfer allows to match exactly the defect. All of these techniques save the great toe length. When a pulp was incorporated in the transfer, two point discrimination averaged 9 mm and in the entire series the mean pinch strength was 93% normal and the mean cosmetic score was 3.5 points. Partial toe transfers are preferable in cases with any otherwise normal hand, providing good function and better cosmesis.

Adult↗