Mallet Finger
Mallet finger results from a tear of the extensor tendon off the bone at the end of the finger. This tendon runs along the back or nail side of the finger and keeps the end of the finger straight. If the tendon tears away from the bone, you cannot straighten the tip of the finger, and it bends down like a mallet, a type of hammer. It can happen in any finger but is more common in the ring, middle and pinky fingers.
There are two types of mallet finger injuries:
- Bony mallet: The tendon rips away a piece of bone when it tears.
- Soft tissue mallet: The tendon rips, but the finger bone remains unbroken.
Anyone can get mallet finger, but the condition is more common in men. You may hear mallet finger referred to as hammer thumb, mallet baseball finger or simply baseball finger.
Summit Orthopedics provides prompt diagnosis and treatment for mallet finger in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
What Is Mallet Finger?
Your tendons connect your muscles to bones. The tendons located in your forearm and hand allow you to move your fingers and thumb.
The tendons on the back of your hand, called extensor tendons, straighten your fingers. The tendons on the palm side of your hand, called flexor tendons, allow you to bend your fingers.
If you have mallet finger, the extensor tendon pulls off the distal phalanx, the bone at the tip of your finger. If a small piece of bone attached to the tendon pulls away with the tendon when the tendon tears, it is known as an avulsion injury. If the tendon completely pulls off the bone, it is called a tendon rupture.
These injuries can cause the tip of your finger to bend in a mallet-like position.
Signs and Symptoms of Mallet Finger
One of the main signs of mallet finger is its appearance. The tip of your finger will look bent.
You may also notice:
- Bruising
- Inability to straighten your finger
- Pain and tenderness in the fingertip joint
- Redness
- Swelling
Causes of Mallet Finger
Any sudden, forceful impact on an extended fingertip can lead to mallet finger. Basketball and baseball players tend to get mallet finger because their hands are more prone to injury. You can also get this type of injury from workplace accidents, kitchen mishaps and other accidents.
If you have a high risk of developing mallet finger through sports, work or other lifestyle activities, you can help prevent this injury by:
- Following general workplace guidelines for lifting and preventing injuries
- Wearing protective gear during sports
Diagnosing Mallet Finger
Your doctor will assess your symptoms and use a physical exam to diagnose mallet finger. Your doctor may also order an X-ray to check for fractures or breaks in the finger bones. Getting a full picture allows your doctor to determine a personalized treatment plan.
If you have symptoms of a mallet finger injury, see a doctor right away. If you wait, the finger tendon and bone can begin to heal on their own—and the finger may stay crooked permanently.
Treatment Options for Mallet Finger
Mallet finger treatment often begins by straightening the finger with a splint, which you will wear for six to eight weeks.
Keeping your finger in a straight position allows the bone or tendon to heal properly. The mallet finger splint stays on 24 hours a day—taking it off risks retearing the tendon.
After the splint comes off, your finger joint may be stiff for a few weeks. Through everyday activities, you should eventually regain full functioning in your finger.
Is Surgery Needed for Mallet Finger?
Most cases of mallet finger do not require surgery. At Summit Orthopedics, we aim to treat mallet finger first with nonsurgical options. However, if your mallet finger injury is severe and involves a bone fracture, Summit’s experienced orthopedic surgeons can repair the fracture with minimally invasive surgery.
Recovery After Mallet Finger Treatment
With prompt, expert treatment, you should recover within eight weeks. This can be longer if you need surgery. Physical therapy can help speed recovery and restore your hand to its full range of motion.
Complications for mallet finger are minimal, especially if you receive treatment at the first signs of injury. Without immediate care, some people experience deformity and stiffness in their finger.
If you have symptoms of mallet finger or need further treatment, find your hand and wrist expert at Summit Orthopedics, request an appointment or call us at (651) 968-5201 to schedule a consultation.
