Mallet finger is a common injury of the extensor tendon to the tip of finger. Often this occurs when the finger is jammed (such as during basketball) but subtle injuries can also cause it. The finger may be painful, swollen or bruised and often looks like the picture below.
Mallet Finger Treatment
Patients should be sought within the first few days after injury. Often treatment involves strict splinting for an extended period of time. The goal is to keep the fingertip straight until the tendon heals. It is annoying to wear a splint but every time it comes off and the finger flexes it restarts the clock.
Example of a Mallet Finger Splint Protocol
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Strict immobilization of DIP joint in hyperextension for 4-6 weeks.
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6 weeks after injury wear splint only at night while sleeping for an additional 2 weeks.
Expectation after Mallet Finger Injury
Patients often have some residual droop and may notice a small bump at the back of the finger after treatment. This normally does not cause any problems. Patients can also develop a tendon imbalance which cause additional treatments.
Mallet Finger Surgery
Rarely in the certain occupations that patients can not wear a splint do mallet fingers require surgery. Infection is common with pinning and patients should be aware of this when choosing an operation.
Mallet finger can have a fracture and this is called a Bony Mallet as seen below. Treatment is typically the same.
Prevention of mallet finger can be accomplished by taking certain precautions, such as wearing protective gear when playing sports or performing activities that involve the hands. It is also important to exercise caution when handling heavy or sharp objects, and to avoid placing undue stress on the fingers.
In conclusion, mallet finger is a common injury that can be caused by a variety of activities, but is often seen in athletes who play sports involving catching and throwing a ball. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent long-term complications, and prevention can be achieved by taking appropriate precautions to protect the hands during activities that may place them at risk of injury.
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