RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF MALLET FINGER TREATED WITH EXTENSION BLOCK FIXATION USING THE ISHIGURO TECHNIQUE.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of the Ishiguro technique in the treatment of flexion deformity of the interphalangeal distal (IFD) joint, known as bony mallet finger (BMF) Albertoni Type C2, addressing a common condition that may cause functional impairment if not adequately treated. Methods: All cases of patients with Albertoni Type C2 bony mallet finger (BMF) who underwent the Ishiguro method between March 2018 and February 2023 were included, with a minimum postoperative follow-up of five months; cases of patients who did not complete the minimum five-month postoperative follow-up were excluded. Epidemiological data (age, sex, dominance) and fracture-related information (affected finger, fragment size, time from trauma to surgery, follow-up duration) were analyzed. Outcomes included anatomic reduction, union, return to activities, pain, flexion deficit, passive extension of the affected finger, passive extension of the contralateral finger, and Crawford criteria. Results: None of the analyzed characteristics-such as age, affected finger, interval between trauma and surgery, fragment size, and union-significantly influenced anatomic reduction (p > 0.05). The Crawford scale, as well as anatomic reduction, showed no significant impact (p > 0.05). However, all patients with positive results on the Crawford scale demonstrated union (p = 0.063). Conclusion: In our series, more than half of the patients achieved good or excellent results, predominantly characterized by anatomic reduction. No significant associations were identified with variables such as age, affected finger, time from trauma to surgery, fragment size, bone union, or anatomic reduction. These findings suggest that the Ishiguro technique may be effective in the treatment of BMF Albertoni Type C2.