How does a mallet finger occur?
When the finger tip is "jammed," or forcefully bent down at this last knuckle, the tendon can be stretched too far. If there is enough force, the tendon will snap and a mallet finger will result.
Mallet fingers are also called "baseball fingers" because the can occur by jamming the finger tip with a baseball. Mallet fingers are also common in sports such as football and basketball.
How is a mallet finger diagnosed?
A mallet finger can be diagnosed by physical examination. If the patient has a jamming type of injury, a mallet finger diagnosis should be suspected. Your doctor will ask you to try to extend (straighten) the fingertip, and observe the last knuckle carefully. If you cannot straighten the last knuckle, then a mallet finger is diagnosed.
Other symptoms of a mallet finger include swelling and tenderness around the fingertip. An X-ray will also be done to see if the tendon pulled off a piece of bone when the finger was jammed.
What is the treatment for a mallet finger?
Only rarely do mallet fingers need surgery. The usual treatment is to splint the finger in a special type of splint (called a Stack splint) for at least six weeks. This splint holds the finger out straight. It is important that the patient does not remove the splint unless specially instructed. Removing the splint early can ruin healing that has taken place and return the patient to the starting point of treatment!
The splint allows the torn tendon to properly heal back into position. Once removed, the injured joint is usually stiff, but will regain its flexibility over time.
Often patients can immediately return to normal activities, even some sports, so long as they are wearing their splint. You should discuss with your doctor what activities you should, and shouldn't, perform.
