A Mallet Finger Outcome Clinical indicator has been developed and there is a need for comparative service data to allow service evaluation and benchmarking. Data collected in this process was also reviewed to compare outcomes of 3 mallet wean protocols.

Aims

Provide outcome data using the Functional Arc of Motion Outcome Scale (FAMMOS) to enable service evaluation and benchmarking of clinical outcomes of conservatively managed Mallet Finger injuries Determine if there is any difference in outcome measures with the initial inclusion of ROM exercises compared to functional use alone in a Mallet finger splint wean protocol Method Ethics approval was gained. A retrospective audit of the medical records of patients who commenced Mallet Finger splint weaning was conducted at six Public Hospital Hand Therapy Clinics.

Results

Data was collected for 146 Mallet Finger injuries, 58% Bony and 42% Tendinous.

Clinical Indicator: across the six clinics the average rates of excellent FAMMOS outcomes for conservative management of Mallet Finger was 71% (range 52% to 80%).

The inclusion of AROM exercises in the initial weaning from continuous splintage of Mallet finger injuries compared to light functional use only, resulted in greater Flexion AROM average 61o vs 48o (p<005) and poorer Extension AROM average 4o vs 2o (p<001). There was no statistical difference between bony and tedious mallet outcomes.

Conclusion

This data is available for service evaluation and benchmarking of Mallet Finger outcomes.

Statistically significant differences in ROM were demonstrated with the inclusion of DIP AROM exercises in Mallet finger splint wean.