The best treatment for mallet fingers is still a matter of debate. Numerous splints with different designs to keep the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint in extension have been described in literature. The outcomes of splint treatment are generally good with occasional reports of minor skin complications. Percutaneous Kirschner-wire pinning of the DIP joint for closed tendinous mallet finger represents a alternative treatment modality that reliably immobilises the joint and does not need much patient compliance or use of an external splint. We report a rare but devastating complication of percutaneous pinning of the DIP joint for closed tendinous mallet finger. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).
Keywords: Bone wires; Complications; Extensor tendon; Finger injuries; Internal fixators; Mallet finger; Osteomyelitis; Splint; Tendon injury.