Mallet Finger

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Mallet finger is an injury that affects the finger’s ability to straighten at the last joint. This condition occurs when the extensor tendon is damaged, causing the fingertip to droop, leaving you unable to fully extend the affected finger.

At JIS Orthopedics in New Albany and St. Clairsville, Ohio, our specialists are skilled in diagnosing and treating hand and wrist injuries, including mallet finger. We aim to help you regain full function and alleviate pain through personalized treatment plans. Contact us today!

What is Mallet Finger?

Mallet finger (also known as baseball finger or drop finger) occurs when the tendon responsible for straightening the tip of the finger is torn or detached from the bone. When it occurs in the finger, the joint affected is called the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. When it occurs in the thumb, the joint affected is the interphalangeal (IP) joint.

This injury typically results from a sudden impact or trauma to the fingertip, which forces the finger to bend more than it normally would. As a result, the fingertip droops and cannot be straightened actively, although it can still be straightened passively by the other hand.

The injury can either cause the tendon to tear in the middle or pull away from the attachment point on the finger bone called the distal phalanx. Sometimes, the tendon will pull away a small piece of bone from the finger. This is known as an avulsion injury. An avulsion injury can sometimes be large enough to affect the joint surface. This can cause instability in the finger and may require surgery.

This condition can affect any of the fingers or the thumb, but it most commonly impacts the middle, ring, or little finger. While mallet finger is often associated with sports injuries, it can happen to anyone who experiences a direct blow to the fingertip.

Is Mallet Finger Common?

Yes, mallet finger is a relatively common injury, particularly among individuals who participate in sports or activities that involve catching or striking objects with their hands. It is a frequent injury in sports like baseball, basketball, and volleyball. However, it can occur in everyday activities as well, such as when accidentally jamming a finger while doing household chores or during a fall.

Who is at Risk of Mallet Finger?

While anyone can suffer from a mallet injury, certain groups are at higher risk, including:

Athletes: Particularly those involved in ball sports such as baseball, basketball, and volleyball, where the fingers are prone to direct impacts.
Individuals in manual labor: People who participate in activities that involve heavy lifting, gripping, or catching.
Older adults: Due to the natural weakening of tendons over time, older individuals may be more susceptible to tendon injuries.

Understanding the risk factors can help in taking preventive measures, such as using protective gear during sports or being cautious during manual work.

Causes of Mallet Finger Injuries

Mallet finger is typically caused by a forceful blow to the fingertip. This can happen in various ways, including:

Sports injuries: A ball or another object strikes the end of the finger, causing the extensor tendon to rupture or detach.
Accidents: Such as catching a finger in a door or a sudden forceful impact to the fingertip.

In all these cases, the common factor is an unexpected force that exceeds the tendon’s capacity to stretch, leading to a tear or detachment.

Signs and Symptoms of Mallet Finger

The primary sign of mallet finger is the inability to straighten the fingertip. This condition is often immediately noticeable following the injury. Other symptoms may include:

Pain and tenderness: Localized at the top of the finger.
Swelling: Around the affected joint, which may appear soon after the injury.
Bruising or discoloration: Indicating trauma to the area.
Visible drooping: The fingertip remains bent, even when trying to extend it.

If you experience these symptoms following an injury, it is crucial to seek medical attention to prevent further complications.

Diagnosing Mallet Finger

To diagnose mallet finger, a physician will conduct a physical examination of the affected finger. This includes assessing its range of motion and looking for characteristic signs of the condition. The examination process typically involves:

Medical history: You will discuss how the injury occurred and any previous hand injuries.
Physical examination: Your provider will observe the finger’s appearance, testing for passive and active range of motion, and checking for tenderness and swelling.

Imaging tests, such as X-rays, may be used to determine if there is an associated fracture or to assess the extent of the tendon injury. In some cases, advanced imaging techniques like MRI may be necessary to get a detailed view of the soft tissues.

How is Mallet Finger Treated?

A mallet finger injury can be treated effectively using either non-surgical or surgical treatments. The treatment approach depends on the severity of the injury.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Most mallet finger injuries can be treated with the following non-surgical treatments:

Splinting: You may need to wear a splint to keep the finger straight for several weeks. Splints are typically kept on for around 6-8 weeks, allowing the tendon to heal. It is crucial to keep the splint on at all times during this period to ensure proper healing.
Physical therapy: After the splint is removed, exercises may be recommended to restore strength and range of motion in the finger.

Surgical Treatments

In cases when there is an associated fracture, surgery may be necessary to repair the fracture. Surgery may also be used if the joint is out of place. Pins can be used to keep the joint straight while the finger heals.

If you have a chronic mallet finger for several months or years, you may need joint fusion surgery. This will keep the finger or thumb in a permanent position.

Prompt treatment is crucial to ensure proper healing and restore full function to the finger. Delayed or inadequate treatment can lead to permanent deformity or loss of function, such as swan neck deformity. This means the finger will take on an abnormal position due to the untreated injury.

Get Expert Care for Mallet Finger

If you suspect you have mallet finger, don’t delay in seeking treatment. Contact us at JIS Orthopedics in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH, today to schedule an appointment with our experienced hand specialists. We are committed to helping you recover and regain full use of your hand. Reach out to us and take the first step toward a pain-free and functional hand.

Medically reviewed by AJ Julka, MD

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