Mallet Finger: Overview

Mallet Finger: Overview

This video will provide an overview of mallet finger injuries. Mallet finger is a common injury to the fingertip. It results from an injury to the tendon on top of the finger, which helps extend or straighten the finger's tip. Each finger in the hand has tendons that attach to higher muscles in the forearm. A tendon is a soft-tissue structure that connects muscles to bone, which allows the skeleton to move. When the tendon is injured, it causes a visible droop and an inability to extend the fingertip. The droop at the end of the finger looks like a mallet, hence the name mallet finger.

The injury can be of varying severities. The first is a simple disruption or tear of the tendon from the bone. The second is a traumatic cut to the tendon from a laceration of the overlying skin, and the third is a tearing of the tendon with a small piece of attached bone, which is called an avulsion fracture. These injuries typically occur during sports. Mallet finger may be called "baseball finger" because it commonly occurs in baseball players who are struck on the tip of a finger while catching a ball. They can also occur with simple, non-sporting activities, such as slamming a finger in the door or pulling on tight socks. These injuries may be prevented by wearing protective gloves.

These injuries are most frequently seen in young men. However, they can occur in any gender or age. While any finger may be affected, they are most common in the middle finger, and it is rare for the thumb to be involved. Most cases occur on the fingers of the dominant hand. Common signs and symptoms of an injury include: pain, swelling, the characteristic droop, and an inability to straighten the fingertip. Seeking care with a hand specialist early is important in preventing long-term complications.

The diagnosis is made by taking a history of how the injury occurred and examining the finger for deformity and abnormal motion. An x-ray will be taken to assess for bony avulsion fractures. A treatment plan will then be discussed.

In summary, a mallet finger is an injury to the tendon that allows the fingertip to extend. There are several types of injury ranging in severity. They often occur following direct impact to the tip of the finger. Patients with these injuries have a visible droop and inability to straighten the fingertip. A hand specialist will diagnose based on history, exam, and x-ray evaluation.