Mallet finger
Type of fracture / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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.[2] This results in the inability to extend the finger tip without pushing it.[3] There is generally pain and bruising at the back side of the farthest away finger joint.[3]
Mallet finger | |
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Other names | Hammer finger,[1] extensor tendon injury at the DIP joint,[2] baseball finger[3] |
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[3] |
Causes | Trauma resulting in over bending of the finger tip[3] |
Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms, X-rays[3] |
Treatment | Splinting for 8 weeks, surgery[3] |
Prognosis | 6 to 10 weeks for healing[3] |
Frequency | Relatively common[2] |
A mallet finger usually results from overbending of the finger tip.[3] Typically this occurs when a ball hits an outstretched finger and jams it.[3] This results in either a tear of the tendon or the tendon pulling off a bit of bone.[3] The diagnosis is generally based on symptoms and supported by X-rays.[3]
Treatment is generally with a splint that holds the fingertip straight continuously for 8 weeks.[3] The middle joint is allowed to move.[3] This should be begun within a week of the injury.[3] If the finger is bent during these weeks, healing may take longer.[3] If a large piece of bone has been torn off surgery may be recommended.[3] Without proper treatment a permanent deformity of the finger may occur.[2]