The Surgical Treatment for the Fresh Cases of the Buttonhole Deformity and the Dorsal Plate of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint

Abstract

The fresh cases of the buttonhole deformity have been treated conservatively, but the results were not always satisfactory. We operated on two cases and were satisfied with the results. We also studied the extensor apparatus at the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) by using specimens obtained from amputated hands and five hands of cadavers. The study confirmed that the dorsal plate consisted of the dense connective tissue and was thicker than the extensor tendon at the PIPJ. Considering the clinical results and the structure of the extensor apparatus at the PIPJ, surgical repairment of the ruptured dorsal plate would be a choice for the buttonhole deformity.