Surgical Versus Conservative Treatment of Acute Mallet Fingers; a Randomised Controlled Trial

Surgical Versus Conservative Treatment of Acute Mallet Fingers; a Randomised Controlled Trial

The investigators are investigating if surgical treatment of injuries to the tendon which straightens the finger tip gives a better functional outcome than treatment with a splint while the tendon heals.

The investigators will randomise patients to receive splinting of their finger while their tendon heals or have surgical intervention. Surgical intervention will entail fixing the tendon with bone anchors and splinting. Conservative treament involves splinting while the tendon heals. We will then monitor the functional outcome of the hand using the DASH questionare over 18 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• soft tissue mallet finger
• acute injury

Exclusion Criteria:

• ASA 3 or above
• Unable to give informed consent
• Infection in digit affected