Mallet Finger

What is the cause of mallet finger?

Mallet Finger

Mallet Finger

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Mallet Finger

Mallet Finger

It is usually caused by an injury to the tendons ( tendons - are structures which associate muscle to bone and help in Movement) which keep the last joint of the finger in a level position. There are two opposing sets of tendons ( called the flexors and extensors) at the tip of each finger. The first set on the top of the finger helps in lifting the tip ( this Movement is called extension and therefore this group of tendons are called extensors) and the second on the underside of the finger, help in lowering the tip of the finger ( this Movement is called flexion and hence this group of tendons and muscles are called flexors). Hence injury to the tendon that helps in lifting the finger creates an imbalance of forces. This leads to drooping of the tip of the finger. These injuries can be seen with bony fragments. The tendon complex is called the Extensor Digitorum.

What investigations are needed to diagnose mallet finger?

This is usually a clinical diagnosis and x-ray is recommended to rule out any bony injury, which may have happened as a ensue of the tendon being pulled out at the site of insertion on the bone. In whether situation, rehabilitation remains the same.

What is the rehabilitation for mallet finger?

The rehabilitation is to immobilize the tip of the affected finger in a special splint, called as the mallet splint.

The splint is made of plastic shaped like a well secured sleeve surface the tip of the finger along with the last joint of the finger. It is secured by using tape. It is kept on for a duration of six weeks in the first instance.

In case of the deformity persisting after six weeks of splintage, then splintage may be considerable for ten to twelve weeks. The inpatient is advised to take off it only after having kept his hand flat on top of a table, avoiding any bending at the tip and asking an assistant to clean the splint and change the tape at the bottom.

The inpatient is followed up by orthopedic doctors in the clinic. Physiotherapy is usually needed to decree stiffness. Surgical repair is not advised as it doesn't usually yield good results. Mallet thumb is treated in the same way as a mallet finger.

If the finger is bent while the medical process, then salvage time is delayed.

What are the complications of mallet finger?

They include:

1. Loss of extension

2. Temporary skin problems

3. Difficult inpatient compliance

4. Refractory bony mallet ( where there is a considerable chunk of bone that has come off with the tendon) cases not responding to conservative management are treated by open surgery if needed.

Mallet Finger

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