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Mallet Finger

What is it?

Mallet finger is a common injury to the extensor tendon that causes the affected fingertip to droop, and it is unable to straighten. The extensor tendon is what allows your finger to extend at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint (located just below the fingernail).  When the extensor tendon is ruptured, it is pulled away from its normal location which causes the droop. Sometimes, there may also be an avulsion injury where a small bone fragment is also pulled away with the tendon.

Mallet Finger
What are the symptoms?

The most obvious symptom of mallet finger is a noticeable droop at the fingertip that will only straighten when forced to. Often, the affected finger is also swollen, painful, and/or tender.

What is the cause?

Mallet finger is an injury caused by a hard impact or trauma to your finger. This injury is most commonly seen in athletes, particularly baseball and basketball players. However, it can occur during almost any activities involving the fingers such as lifting heavy objects.

How is it treated?
The most common treatment for mallet finger is full-time splinting of the affected finger for 6 weeks. An occupational therapist may create a custom splint for you. If your finger is able to extend/straighten after 6 weeks of splinting, the weaning process will begin. The weaning process may involve only wearing the splint at night and/or finger extension exercises. If you notice that the finger is beginning to droop again, you should resume full-time splinting (with taping) for at least 24 hours and then reevaluate. If the droop is gone upon reevaluation, you may resume the weaning process.
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