The mallet finger is a frequently encountered fingertip injury that leads to extensor lag of the distal phalanx. Classification systems stratify these injuries as ranging from soft-tissue disruption of the extensor mechanism alone to those that have articular involvement and volar subluxation. The management of mallet finger injuries varies based on injury pattern and surgeon preference. These treatment options include splinting regimens, closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, and open reduction and internal fixation. Although the final goal of treatment is to establish a congruent joint, the efficacy of each treatment modality has been shown to vary.

A cohort of patients with overgrowth syndromes has been identified with congenital lipomatous overgrowth, dysregulated fat deposits, and mixed vascular malformations. The acronym CLOVES was given on a heuristic basis to stand for congenital lipomatous overgrowth (CLO), vascular malformation (V), epidermal nevi (E), and scoliosis and spinal deformities (S). These patients have upper limb anomalies with variable phenotypes. Although hand anomalies alone cannot make the diagnosis, the foot, truncal, cutaneous and spinal anomalies are particularly diagnostic. CLOVES syndrome has emerged as a distinct clinical entity diagnosed by clinical and radiographic examinations. The overgrowth pattern is now easily distinguished from other overgrowth syndromes.

Therapeutic, IV.

Injuries to the proximal interphalangeal joint are commonly encountered by the hand surgeon. Proper diagnosis and treatment are vital for optimal outcomes. Proper treatment of these injuries requires a working knowledge of the anatomy of the joint and an appreciation for principles for reduction, stabilization, and early rehabilitation to provide the best outcomes possible. Injuries can include fractures of the head of the proximal phalanx, dislocations, fracture dislocations, and fractures of the base of the middle phalanx. Similar to other aspects of plastic surgery, there is little high-level evidence guiding treatment and thus most treatment is based on level III or IV evidence. The goal for treatment of any injury around the proximal interphalangeal joint is to establish a congruent joint and allow for early motion. Stiffness and posttraumatic arthritis are common following these injuries. Salvage procedures are limited to arthrodesis and arthroplasty, neither of which can restore the normal function of the hand.