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Mallet Finger, Sports Medicine

Rachel A. Coel, MD, PhD, FAAP, CAQSM and Quynh Hoang, MD, FAAP, CAQSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Mallet finger is defined as a stretching or tearing of the extensor tendon or a complete avulsion of the tendon insertion from the dorsal base of the distal phalanx with or without b...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Patient reports axial loading and/or hyperflexion of the DIP joint while the finger is held in extension. Classically, the extended finger is struck on the tip by a ball.

  • Patient compl...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • There is general consensus in current literature that nonoperative treatment is indicated in almost all mallet finger injuries in the absence of large articular disruption or...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Regular physician assessment and diligent patient compliance are critical for successful nonoperative treatment.

  • Assess compliance with continuous splinting at fol...

REFERENCES

1
Bachoura A, Ferikes AJ, Lubahn JD. A review of mallet finger and jersey finger injuries in the athlete. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med.  2017;10(1):1–9.
2
Lamaris G, Matthew M. The diagnosi...

ADDITIONAL READING

Alla S, Deal N, Dempsey I. Current concepts: mallet finger. Hand (N Y).  2014;9(2):138–144. 

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • The typical mechanism of injury is a “jamming” or axial load to the fingertip, resulting in the inability to actively extend the DIP joint.

  • Without treatment, mallet finger may result i...

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