Mallet Finger

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What is a mallet finger?

A mallet finger is where the end of a finger is bent (flexed) towards the palm and cannot straighten.

What causes a mallet finger?

The usual cause is an injury to the end of the finger. The injury tears the the tendon that straightens (extends) the end of the finger. It is sometimes called 'baseball finger' as it is a common injury when trying to catch a fast, hard ball. If the catch is missed slightly then the ball hits the straight finger. This may force the end of the finger to bend (flex) further than normal and tear the tendon. Without the use of this tendon, the finger stays bent (flexed).

Sports injuries are the common cause of mallet finger, but any injury that forces the end joint of a finger to over-bend can cause it. (Sometimes the tendon does not tear but the injury causes a piece of bone to be pulled off the finger where the tendon is attached. The result is the same as the tendon then cannot pull on the bone.)

What is the treatment for mallet finger?

A plastic splint is worn for 6-8 weeks to keep the finger straight with the end joint bent backwards slightly (over extended). It must be worn all the time, day and night. You must not take the splint off at any time during this treatment! This allows the two ends of the torn tendon or bone to stay together and heal. About 3 in 4 cases heal well with this treatment.

Surgery is needed to repair the torn tendon if the above fails. (Surgery may be advised straight away if there is an open wound, but most injuries that cause mallet finger do not cut the skin.)

© EMIS and PIP 2006   Updated: June 2006