Mallet finger injury affects the extensor tendon of the finger, drooping of the fingertip, and therefore makes it hard to straighten the finger. This type of injury occurs usually when the tendon that straightens the tip of the finger is damaged or torn, often from some direct blow to the finger from catching a ball in sports.. It is painful and, if not treated properly, may result in long-term deformity.
The injury of the mallet finger involves the stretching or complete tear of the extensor tendon, responsible for straightening the fingertip. This leads to the failure of extension at the distal phalanx joint. Trauma is the most frequent cause, including severe force to the tip of the finger, often during the playing of sports such as netball, basketball, or oz tag. It also occurs with less serious injury, like jamming a finger during any daily work.
Signs and symptoms of mallet finger include the following:
If left untreated, mallet finger may result in finger deformity and restricted mobility of the finger, known as swan neck deformity.
In soft tissue mallets, where the injury only involves the tendon and does not involve bones, the length of time necessary for splinting extends for 8 weeks.
The splint maintains the fingertip in an extended position through not allowing the bending of the tendon during the healing process. This extended time is required to ensure that the tendon re-attaches completely and then regains its strength. It’s during this phase that the finger must be kept strictly immobilised; even slight flexion will disrupt the healing and delay recovery.
For bony mallet injuries, where a fragment of bone has been avulsed with the tendon, a shorter period of 6 weeks, may be adequate. The presence of the bone fragment in the bony mallet injury acts to internally stabilise the injury, which may therefore heal sooner. Finger splinting consistently crucial to prevent the further displacement of the injury and to assure proper healing.
Finger splinting treatment is the most common and usually most effective method of treatment for the majority of mallet finger injuries. Our hand therapy specialist use customised splints designed to extend the injured finger, keeping the finger in its correct position so that the torn tendon can heal on its own. The design of the splint is to immobilise the tip of your finger, preventing the bending of the fingertip and allowing time for the reattachment or repair of the tendon.
While finger splinting plays a significant role in the treatment of mallet finger, rehabilitation plays an equally important part in the restoration of strength and mobility of the finger after the tendon has healed. The affected finger may be stiff or weak upon removal of the splint following immobilisation. Our hand therapy experts will take you through an individualised exercise program to help regain full functionality, flexibility, and strength of the finger.
When the bone has been fractured, leaving a significant piece broken off, or if the tendon is severely torn, surgical treatment may be necessary to restore the finger. Our hand therapist works closely with hand surgeons to provide a post-surgery rehabilitation program for those patients who require surgery. After surgery to the hand, we will continue to treat your injury by providing splinting and a special exercise program to ensure optimal healing and restoration of finger motion.
Our hand therapist has expert knowledge in finger splinting, individually customising to the specific needs of the patient while comfort and effectiveness are maintained. We equally use experience to determine when the patient should be referred to a specialist hand surgeon for management of the mallet finger. Whether you need non-surgical treatment or post-operative rehabilitation, the latest techniques available at the clinic will be looking toward restoration of function and improvement in quality of life.
If you are suffering from signs and symptoms of mallet finger, call Hand Therapy Experts today for an appointment. A hand therapist will diagnose your condition, advise on the right treatment, and provide professional care for complete recovery and prevention of complications in the long term.
