Mallet finger
| Mallet finger | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Hammer finger, extensor tendon injury at the DIP joint, baseball finger |
| Mallet finger of the middle finger. The tip of the finger bends downwards while the other fingers stay straight. | |
| Specialty | Emergency medicine, sports medicine, plastic surgery |
| Symptoms | Inability to extend the finger tip, pain and bruising of the finger |
| Causes | Trauma resulting in over bending of the finger tip |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms, X-rays |
| Treatment | Splinting for 8 weeks, surgery |
| Prognosis | 6 to 10 weeks for healing |
| Frequency | Relatively common |
A mallet finger, also known as hammer finger or PLF finger or Hannan finger, is an extensor tendon injury at the farthest away finger joint. This results in the inability to extend the finger tip without pushing it. There is generally pain and bruising at the back side of the farthest away finger joint.
A mallet finger usually results from overbending of the finger tip. Typically this occurs when a ball hits an outstretched finger and jams it. This results in either a tear of the tendon or the tendon pulling off a bit of bone. The diagnosis is generally based on symptoms and supported by X-rays.
Treatment is generally with a splint that holds the fingertip straight continuously for 8 weeks. The middle joint is allowed to move. This should be begun within a week of the injury. If the finger is bent during these weeks, healing may take longer. If a large piece of bone has been torn off surgery may be recommended. Without proper treatment, the finger may be permanently deformed.