Tenodermodesis para el tratamiento del dedo en martillo tendinoso de presentación tardía en niños y adolescentes

Introduction: Tendinous mallet finger may go initially unnoticed in children and adolescents, limiting the possibilities of conservative treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of surgical treatment with the tenodermodesis technique in late-presentig injuries. Materials and Methods: Nine patients (8 males) with an average age of 8.6±6 years (1-15 range) were retrospectively evaluated. The injury manifested at an average of 27±11.4 days after trauma (15-45 range). In 4 patients the mechanism was a laceration and, in 5, indirect trauma. Patients were treated by tenodermodesis and transitory fixation of the distal interphalangeal joint with a Kirschner wire. The average follow-up was 61±34.7 months (12-106 range). Active and passive range of motion of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ), pain, deformity, limitations in everyday life activities, and need for further treatment were evaluated. Crawford criteria was used to evaluate the outcomes. Results: The results were excellent in eight patients, and fair in one according to the Crawford criteria. One case required reintervention for re-rupture in a poorly collaborating patient. Two cases presented granuloma as a complication and required resection. No patients presented pain at the last follow-up, nor limitations in everyday life activities. Eight patients had full active DIPJ extension, and one had a 20° residual deformity. Conclusion: Tenodermodesis allows anatomical reconstruction of the extensor mechanism in pediatric patients. The clinical results are encouraging in late-presenting lesions. Level of Evidence: IV