This study aims to understand how collateral ligament injury affects stability in distal interphalangeal joints for mallet fractures.
Conducted a biomechanical analysis of collateral ligaments in the distal interphalangeal joint.
Assessed stability of joints with mallet fractures involving less than 40% of the articular surface.
Used physical examination techniques to evaluate finger stability.
Injury to collateral ligaments significantly contributed to joint instability in mallet fractures.
The assessment revealed that small mallet fractures need careful evaluation for stability.
Physical examination proved essential in determining the effect of collateral ligament injury.
Abstract
Collateral ligament injury contributes to DIP joint instability in mallet fractures involving <40% of the articular surface, supporting the need for assessing finger stability with a physical examination.