Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To establish the association between initial and residual angulation of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIJ) in mallet finger treated conservatively. METHODS: An observational, prospective, descriptive and analytical research developed with uncomplicated closed mallet finger patients between January and December 2017. A total of two measurements of the DIJ were done, at the initial trauma and 6 weeks after conservative treatment. All measurements were ranked according to the Crawford Classification and Relative Risk was measured. RESULTS: In total, 43 patients were studied, in which 53.48% of outcomes obtained were excellent. The sample was divided in two groups; one with less than 30º of DIJ initial angulation, which had 28% of residual angulation. The second group with more than 30º presented 72.22% of residual angulation. The Relative Risk to present a residual angulation in patients that had 30º of DIJ initial angulation was 2.99 (CI 95%) with p = 0.0059. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that patients with an initial DIJ angulation more than 30º are more likely to present residual angulation with conservative treatment. Level of Evidence IV, Case series.