Mallet Finger

Mallet finger is a common injury of the finger. It happens when the tendon that straightens the fingertip gets damaged or ruptured. This leads to the fingertip looking droopy or bent, known as a digital deformity.

This injury can occur from many causes. It might happen during sports, at work, or even from simple daily activities. The main symptom is not being able to straighten the fingertip fully. You might also feel pain, swelling, and tenderness where the injury is.

Getting a quick diagnosis and proper treatment is key to managing mallet finger. This helps avoid long-term problems and ensures you can get back to your normal activities and hobbies. Early medical care is important for restoring finger function and preventing permanent damage.

What is Mallet Finger?

Mallet finger, also known as baseball finger or drop finger, is a common hand trauma. It affects the extensor tendon, which helps straighten the fingertip. When this tendon is torn or ruptured, you can’t fully extend the finger.

Anatomy of the Extensor Tendon

The extensor tendons are thin, rope-like structures. They run along the back of each finger and connect to the muscles in the forearm. These tendons help the fingers straighten and move precisely. In mallet finger, the tendon is damaged at the distal phalanx, the outermost bone of the finger.

Mechanism of Injury

Mallet finger often happens from a forceful impact or blow to an extended finger. This sudden force bends the fingertip forward while the tendon is stretched. It can tear or rupture the tendon. Sports, like catching a ball, are common causes of this extensor tendon injury.

It can also happen from a deep cut or laceration on the back of the finger. This can sever the extensor tendon. The injury makes the fingertip droop and unable to extend actively.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Mallet Finger

Mallet finger shows a few key symptoms that doctors look for. The main sign is fingertip drooping. This means the finger tip can’t be straightened and stays bent. This happens because the extensor tendon, which helps straighten the finger, is torn or ruptured.

People with mallet finger also feel painful finger when they try to straighten the finger. This pain is often worse right after the injury. It can last until the tendon heals. Swelling around the fingertip and the joint below it is another symptom. It shows there’s inflammation in the area.

To figure out if someone has mallet finger, doctors do a detailed check of the hand and fingers. They see if the patient can straighten the finger tip and look for signs of pain and swelling. Sometimes, they might use X-rays or ultrasounds to see the tendon and confirm the injury.

By spotting these symptoms and doing a detailed check, doctors can accurately say if someone has mallet finger. Then, they can plan the best treatment to help the finger heal and work right again.

Causes and Risk Factors

Mallet finger can happen for many reasons and affects some groups more than others. Knowing why it happens helps prevent it and treat it early.

Sports-related Injuries

Sports injuries often lead to mallet finger, mainly in sports that involve a lot of finger impact. Players in sports like basketball, volleyball, and baseball are at high risk. This is because the ball can easily hit the fingertip. Other sports that increase the risk include rock climbing, rugby, and hockey.

Occupational Hazards

Workplace accidents are a big reason for mallet finger. Jobs that involve a lot of manual work, heavy lifting, or machinery use are riskier. Workers in construction, factories, and mechanics are often at risk. Using safety gear and following safety rules can lower these risks.

Age and Gender Considerations

Mallet finger can happen to anyone, but some groups are more likely to get it. Kids and teens are at higher risk because they’re often very active and play sports. As people get older, their tendons get less flexible, making them more likely to get finger trauma. Also, studies show that men are more likely to get mallet finger than women. This might be because men are more likely to do high-risk activities.

Treatment Options for Mallet Finger

Mallet finger treatment aims to fix the finger’s function and look. The treatment choice depends on the injury’s severity and the patient’s needs. Quick treatment is key for the best recovery and to avoid permanent issues.

Splinting and Immobilization

The most common treatment is splinting. A splint keeps the fingertip straight, helping the tendon heal. It’s usually worn for 6-8 weeks. Sometimes, taping the finger to another one adds extra support.

The splinting time depends on the injury’s severity:

Surgical Intervention

In severe cases or if splinting doesn’t work, surgery might be needed. Surgery reattaches the torn tendon to the bone. After, the finger is splinted for healing.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

After splinting or surgery, physical therapy is key. It helps regain finger strength, flexibility, and movement. A therapist will guide you through exercises like bending, straightening, and gripping.

Rehab helps avoid stiffness and ensures the finger works well again.

Splinting Techniques and Duration

Splinting is key in treating mallet finger injuries. It helps the extensor tendon heal right. Custom splints fit well, keeping the finger straight.

The splint choice depends on the injury’s severity and the patient’s needs. Options include stack splints, custom-molded ones, and aluminum splints.

Wearing the splint for 6 to 8 weeks is recommended. It should be on at all times, even when sleeping. Later, it might only be worn at night for 2 to 4 weeks.

Following the treatment plan is vital. Patients must wear the splint as directed to avoid problems. Regular check-ups help track progress and adjust the treatment if needed.

Complications and Long-term Effects

Mallet finger might seem like a small issue, but ignoring it can cause big problems. These issues can really affect how you live and what you can do every day. They can also stop you from enjoying your favorite activities.

Not treating mallet finger right can lead to stiff joints and a bent finger. This can make your finger look and work differently. It might even get worse, leading to Swan Neck Deformity or Boutonniere Deformity. These are serious problems with how your finger moves and looks.

Joint Stiffness and Deformity

Stiff joints are a big problem with mallet finger. This happens if you don’t move your finger enough or if it doesn’t heal right. Your finger might get stuck and hard to move, making it hard to do things like write or play music.

Chronic Pain and Weakness

Some people with mallet finger have pain and weakness that lasts. This can be because of ongoing inflammation or damage to the tendons. It can also be because of osteoarthritis. This makes it hard to hold things or do activities that need strength.

Seeing a doctor quickly and following their advice is key. Using splints and doing exercises can help your finger heal right. This way, you can avoid long-term problems and keep doing the things you love.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

After treating mallet finger, a detailed rehab plan is key. It helps bring back full movement, flexibility, and strength to the finger. Occupational therapy is a big part of this, helping patients get back to their daily life and sports.

Range of motion exercises are a big part of mallet finger rehab. These exercises help the injured finger move smoothly. This prevents stiffness and aids in healing. A common range of motion exercise program includes:

When healing gets better, strengthening exercises are added. These exercises help build muscle strength and endurance. Occupational therapy may also include tasks that help patients get back to their daily activities.

The rehab process can take weeks to months, depending on the injury and healing speed. Patients should follow their therapist’s advice and slowly get back to normal activities. With hard work and dedication, most people can fully recover and get back to their pre-injury level.

Preventing Mallet Finger Injuries

Mallet finger injuries can be very painful and limit your movement. But, there are ways to lower your risk. Using protective gear and making ergonomic changes can help prevent these injuries. These steps are key for athletes and anyone who uses their hands a lot.

Protective Equipment in Sports

For athletes, wearing finger guards can offer extra protection. These guards help absorb shock and stop the fingertip from bending too far. They’re great for sports like basketball, volleyball, and baseball, where fingers are at risk.

When picking finger guards, choose ones that fit well and let your fingers move freely.

Ergonomic Modifications at Work

At work, using ergonomic tools can lower the risk of mallet finger injuries. Tools with soft grips and angled handles reduce finger stress and prevent injuries. It’s also good to take breaks and stretch your hands and fingers often.

By making these changes, you can keep your fingers safe and avoid painful mallet finger injuries.