Mallet Finger
Mallet finger is an injury which results in the inability to maintain the extended (straight) position of the end joint of one of the fingers.
Symptoms of a Mallet Finger
- Pain in the end of the finger.
- Tenderness when touching the back of the finger.
- Inability to straighten the end joint in the finger without assistance.
What is Mallet Finger?
There are no muscles in the fingers, instead they are moved by long tendons which connect to muscles in the hand and forearm. On the back (nail side) of the finger there is a long tendon which is one of the Extensor Digitorum Communis muscle, which acts to straighten the fingers.
Mallet finger results from damage to this tendon. The degree of damage can range from a minor stretching of the tendon, to an avulsion of the tendon from the distal phalanx - the end bone of the finger.
This injury occurs most frequently due to a ball striking the finger tip, forcing it to bend, whilst the extensor muscles are contracting - causing a strong force which results in the tendon pulling off the bone.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. An X-ray or MRI may be used to determine if the tendon is torn, if there is an avulsion or a fracture to the end bone of the finger.
If there is no avulsion or fracture, then a mallet finger splint may be worn for up to eight weeks. This holds the end joint of the finger in an extended position to allow the tendon to heal correctly. It is also recommended that this type of splint or taping is used for an additional 1-2 months when returning to sport.
In more complicated injuries, surgery may be performed to reattach the tendon to the bone and realign any fractures. Again a period of immobilisation will follow.
