Mallet finger
| Mallet finger | |
|---|---|
| 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, 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]
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, the finger may be permanently deformed.[2]
- ^ Harris, Peter; Nagy, Sue; Vardaxis, Nicholas (2014). Mosby's Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing and Health Professions (eBook) (Australian & New Zealand ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 1050. ISBN 978-0729581387.
- ^ a b c d Leggit, JC; Meko, CJ (1 March 2006). "Acute finger injuries: part I. Tendons and ligaments". American Family Physician. 73 (5): 810–16. PMID 16529088.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q "Mallet Finger (Baseball Finger)". OrthoInfo - AAOS. March 2015. Archived from the original on 23 October 2017. Retrieved 15 October 2017.