Mallet Finger

Description

Mallet finger is characterized by a bent tip of the finger and an inability to straighten the finger under its own power. An extensor tendon is the attachment of the muscle to a bone that straightens a joint, and this injury is usually to the tendon that straightens the last joint of the finger. It results in a bent fingertip and an inability to straighten the finger under its own power, although it can be straightened passively, using the other hand. Usually the tendon is pulled from the bone, although occasionally some bone may be pulled off with the tendon (avulsion fracture). Mallet finger most often occurs in the long, ring, and little fingers.

Common signs and symptoms

• A pop or rip felt in the finger at the time of injury

• Pain with moving the injured finger

• A finger that is bent at the last joint and unable to straighten under its own power

• Full passive motion of the finger (it can be straightened, but it cannot straighten itself)

• Tenderness, swelling, and warmth of the injured finger, especially on the back of the injured finger or joint

• Bruising after 48 hours

Causes

Mallet finger is usually to the result of a direct blow to the tip of a straightened finger, leading to a rupture of the extensor tendon to the last joint of the finger. This blow forces the finger to bend, pulling off the tendon from its insertion. Occasionally some bone is pulled off with the tendon. This injury may also occur as the result of a laceration (cut), but this is less common.

Factors that increase risk

• Sports that involve catching—softball, baseball, basketball, and football—and volleyball

• Poor physical conditioning (strength, flexibility)

• Previous or concurrent finger sprain

< div class='tao-gold-member'>

Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related

Related posts:

Birth Control and Sports Biceps Tendon Subluxation Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm Dislocation or Subluxation Proximal Tibiofibular Joint Dislocation Subtalar Dislocation

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

Join

Full access? Get Clinical Tree